Before I left for CHA I posted HERE about who I am today as an artist and it was about Collaboration vs Competition. Funny how this rang true for me. Upon meeting Andy Skinner I knew (ok, assumed) some things…he is English (accent gives it away), could be grumpy as he does not smile in his photos near often enough and our art styles could not be more different. That was rather intimidating (but don’t tell him that).
His style is dark, distressed, antique, steam-punk and he uses tons of browns. His work is amazing (again please don’t repeat that). He actually makes things look rusted on purpose:
Someone commented on my Facebook that “Andy is a National treasure” so again I was intimidated. My style on the other hand is…..well vibrant, bright, full of flowers and hearts, whimsical…and I don’t think I have used many if any shades of brown!
Upon working with him I realized he is funny, a prankster like me and never turn your back. Also, he is too is passionate about what he does. He gets nervous before workshops, demo’s, etc. and I can tell he cares that each and every person come away feeling inspired and creative. We have that in common. So maybe we were not that different. Our sarcastic humor never left a dull moment at the booth. There were moments of cheeky humor, photo bombing and creative competition. Maybe there is something to Totally Tracy and Absolutely Andy.
a little behind the scenes video HERE…..
Stay tuned for a collaboration between Andy and me. The Creative Dare has been set to work outside our comfort zones!
We have something in the works and our DecoArt worlds are about to collide. I am excited to collaborate in 2015. It is key to working with others in so many capacities and daring yourself to grow as a person and artist. I DARE YOU ANDY SKINNER!
Live your life not as a bystander. Live in this world, on this day, and everyday hereafter as an active participant. Every morning, ask yourself what is really important to you, and then find the courage, wisdom and willpower to build your day around your answer.”
Fun video. I especially loved the bit with Andy dancing across the screen. Who knew he could dance too?
I can’t wait to see the dares come to fruition.
going to be fun Kathi!
Looks like you guys had a lot of fun!
we did 🙂
Exciting to see both of your work at the DecoArt booth and it looks like a fun duo/duel of designers. 🙂
Great post Tracy, had the best fun working with you this year at CHA…. it’s such a shame you’re going down on this challenge though 😉
Please Andy…I know your rusted world is worried! Sunshine and flowers baby….all things happy LOL! I think we need to give some stuff away too and make it real fun!
This should be very exciting!!
Olivia asked if Andy was going to be there. lol
Tell Olivia I can give all the scoop on Andy. She will love that 🙂
We will make sure…working on some fun giveaways too! I know Olivia is on my side thought…right??
She’s always on your side!
I need it!
Sounds like you two were a match made in arty heaven! Really looking forward to seeing the challenge unfold. Please give him a really cheery non brown colour palette! Have fun. Suz (Surrey Crafts, student of Mr S). Xxx
You got it Suz! I am afraid of what I will get LOL!
What a fun video- you two must have some stories with belly laughs included! I am so excited about your collaboration! Great inspirational art to be created for sure! “)
We did! There was never a boring moment!
can’t wait to see this unfold. I’m in Andy’s camp I admit. – The darker side for me
I am going to have to convert you all 🙂 This will be hard for me!
Oh my now this is going to get very interesting and very, very funny lol! Although I am English, and quite possibly a little reserved until I get to know you better, but I am so in your camp Tracy – none of those dull browns – I want my world and my art to be about colour and colour that pops wonderfully and makes me smile which your art does.
Not that I am dissing Andy in any way – he is genius at what he does and I would, one day, love to do a course with both of you! Although it is more likely that it would be with Andy.
I am looking forward very much to see what you both come up with and don’t worry Tracy there are others like me who prefer the light and colourful lol! Karen xx
Woo HOO Karen!! way to come to the Bright side! ♥
Can’t wait to see what you and Andy create!