Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Wick.
Andrew, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am an artist and art teacher. I graduated from SMU in Dallas with a BFA degree in printmaking and drawing in 2003. I have always been obsessed with the craft of making art. In today’s world, becoming an artist is a seemingly risky venture. It really always has been. However, I suppose it depends on how one uses their creativity how risky that “venture” really is. Many of my fellow artist friends who have made a career in the arts have adapted in various ways and promoted their work through grants, residencies, and teaching. If one takes the risk of pursuing the arts, I think one has to stay true to their skillset and play it out to the best of their ability. I have had an affinity for creating from a very early age and I was lucky enough to have parents who supported my decision involving the pursuit of being a professional artist. I decided to pursue a Master’s degree at UNT, graduating in 2005, in Art Education.
At that time, I was showing with a small gallery in Dallas and keeping up my teaching practice. I teach Elementary art in a public school but also have taught adults at SMU for 13 years in the community education program there. I sincerely believe keeping the arts alive in the community is my passion. Luckily, there are many people in academia who acknowledge the importance of making new things through the creative process. Where would we be without new ideas? I feel like this is a pivotal question in today’s education discourse where arts programs are cut or not funded properly. For me, education is key because there is clearly an academic reason why every culture on earth has developed forms of visual communication. It’s innate.
Has it been a smooth road?
The path of pursuing art as a career definitely has challenges. Rejections from galleries, people thinking they are qualified to teach art just because they “like it”… etc.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I sell works independently and specialize in egg tempera painting, a very old tradition of painting, which is quite beautiful. I also make oil paintings. There aren’t many artists today who make egg tempera, but it is a beautiful and linear medium. Of course, oil painting, aside from the dry time, is a wonderfully forgiving medium. What sets me apart is I strive to be a great teacher and mentor to every student I encounter but also maintain my own artistic practice.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I live in a suburb of Dallas called Sachse… it is roughly 17 miles from Dallas. It is becoming increasingly populated but I enjoy the quiet there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.andrewwick.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apwickfineart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apwickfineart/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
