Artist Spotlight: Andrea Marshall
Artist Spotlight: Andrea Marshall
For some, the call to create art comes naturally and at an early age. For others, it comes later in life, when circumstances arise which compel them to speak out. It was amid the pandemic and protests during the summer of 2020 when Andrea Marshall heard and answered that call.
Prior to the pandemic, Andrea worked in Washington, D.C. as a Senior Account Executive in Sales with Marriott Hotels and Resorts. Like many in the hospitality industry, she was placed on furlough when COVID hit. Not too long after, she found herself in Louisville with family. While quarantined, Andrea was glued to the television, watching the latest COVID news, and story after story of injustice playing out against African Americans. She was sad some days, and angry most.
At the urging of one of her friends, Andrea turned to art to help her express her feelings. She was hesitant at first; she had no background in visual art, and the closest she had was a background in culinary arts. But between her friend’s insistence and Andrea’s natural creative inclinations, she decided to give it a try.
From the moment she picked up a pencil, Andrea found sketching to be a release; it was calming. The more she drew, the stronger the desire to bring each sketch to life. What started as sketches on paper blossomed into full color images. From the first sketch, and every subsequent one, flowed an array of brides: “I’ve always had a connection to helping brides. Brides represent freedom, love, and new beginnings.” This is the symbol she wants to share with the world.
In “Under the Veil,” the title of her current collection of work, Andrea depicts African American brides of various skin tones, hair types, and body sizes. All of which are representations of the women in her life. “Under the veil, there is so much that connects us. There’s a harmony and a peace about who we are.”
If you’re interested in exploring or purchasing Andrea’s Work, be sure to check out her website, andreamarshalldesigns.com. You can also find her on Instagram @andreamarshalldesigns.
For some, the call to create art comes naturally and at an early age. For others, it comes later in life, when circumstances arise which compel them to speak out. It was amid the pandemic and protests during the summer of 2020 when Andrea Marshall heard and answered that call.
Prior to the pandemic, Andrea worked in Washington, D.C. as a Senior Account Executive in Sales with Marriott Hotels and Resorts. Like many in the hospitality industry, she was placed on furlough when COVID hit. Not too long after, she found herself in Louisville with family. While quarantined, Andrea was glued to the television, watching the latest COVID news, and story after story of injustice playing out against African Americans. She was sad some days, and angry most.
At the urging of one of her friends, Andrea turned to art to help her express her feelings. She was hesitant at first; she had no background in visual art, and the closest she had was a background in culinary arts. But between her friend’s insistence and Andrea’s natural creative inclinations, she decided to give it a try.
From the moment she picked up a pencil, Andrea found sketching to be a release; it was calming. The more she drew, the stronger the desire to bring each sketch to life. What started as sketches on paper blossomed into full color images. From the first sketch, and every subsequent one, flowed an array of brides: “I’ve always had a connection to helping brides. Brides represent freedom, love, and new beginnings.” This is the symbol she wants to share with the world.
In “Under the Veil,” the title of her current collection of work, Andrea depicts African American brides of various skin tones, hair types, and body sizes. All of which are representations of the women in her life. “Under the veil, there is so much that connects us. There’s a harmony and a peace about who we are.”
If you’re interested in exploring or purchasing Andrea’s Work, be sure to check out her website, andreamarshalldesigns.com. You can also find her on Instagram @andreamarshalldesigns.