Andee interviewed by Jodi Reeves - Celebrating the 500th post

500th post::andee rudloff
Andee as interviewed by Jodi Reeves, the crafty chick & blogger

i could not think of a better way to mark a milestone than with an interview with andee. she has been a great inspiration and encourager in my path of finding my creative self. though we don't get to spend a great deal of time together, due to us both being crazy busy women. what little time we do i cherish - whether it is just an exchange of an email or the exchange of magazines. she is a staple in the nashville arts community and my friend. i'm so lucky!
so now here's ANDEE...

First tell us a little about your self - a little bio, also when or how did you start creating?

I am a professional artist living and working mostly in Tennessee and Kentucky. I specialize in murals and painting, but also teach, coordinate art exhibitions and events around the region and curate shows at my gallery, the Morris Alley Studio (aka "The Pie House"). I also serve as the Community Relations Manager at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.
Creating has always been something I do. I became an artist when creating was mostly ALL i do.


Are you a self taught artist and/or did you go to college for art?
(i think most artists all have some "self taught in them.)

I think of course exploring is in my soul, so I taught myself the uncanny ability to take risks. In art school, which like therapy, I was told to dig a little deeper into why I create and what I create. All of this reminded me that what you create needs to be truthful or project truth...otherwise, it feels empty to me.

Your full-time job is working for the Frist, what is it like to work there and also have your own art career?

exhausting sometimes. I enjoy being a part of what the Frist Center brings to Nashville and the region. I also enjoy working as an artist and curator. I love creating and I hope to also improve the professional opportunities for artists in the area.

You wear so many different creative hats, which one or do you have a favorite?

I like the crazy schedule and the varied situations. I find encouragement in each and every opportunity.


What is your favorite thing that you have created?

Wow...this is too hard, as each time I create I learn something. I am really excited about a future project Baltimore artist Lindsey Bailey and I are working on. Lindsey and I had a proposal accepted to the National Art Educators Association Conference in the Spring of 2010. Our plan is HUGE, but thankfully we both have experience in energizing community to create art, so I think we will have a lot of fun! Today, I worked a collage project today with Nashville artist Emily Harper Beard. Now I am getting ready to pick up a paint brush at 11:23p.m...the night is young.

What inspires you to create?

A few things lead me to the creative waters...
When I think of something I have not seen before.
When I have the opportunity to work with other creative people.
I have unique objects sitting around me. Everything from art by some of my favorite artists to quirky collectables and these things make me want to be creative.

What is your opinion of the nashville arts and crafts scene?

It is an exciting time to be an artist in Nashville...It is a growing cultural community...which excites me:)


Do you think there is anything lacking or see other metro areas our size having that we don't?

I wish Nashville supported its local artists and crafters a little bit more. I wonder what could happen if Nashville artists could focus on one job instead of the juggling act most creative people have to do DAILY.

Do you think there is a difference between art and craft? and if so what?

In my work I have consistently attempted to combine sign painting techniques with vernacular influences...I am combining craft and art. As a native of Kentucky I have respect for work made by hand and guided by the heart and eye. As an educated artist I understand the importance of my mind in the process. To state my approach -- the hand, the eye, the heart and the mind=TRUTH.


Do you think an artist or crafter needs a niche?

Nope...I value risk more than anything. I do see where buyers find comfort in predictability and understand that I might not ever be a BIG SELLER, as I tend to be unpredictable.
(me too sister)

And the easiest questions, where can we find you creations?

Currently, my work is on view at The Presbyterian Chuch in downtown Bowling Green, KY; Studio East in Nashville, TN; Plowhaus Artist Cooperative in the Arcade in downtown Nashville, TN; the Nashville Ballet in Nashville, TN; Magpie Etc in Nashville, TN; as well as many homes and businesses through the Kentucky and Tennessee.

thanks again Andee for helping me mark this milestone!
isn't she fab...now let's eat cake!

Direct link to the blog: http://www.thecreativejar.com/2009/10/500th-postlocal-findinterviewandee.html