ART The perfect mix

The perfect mix

Mixed media artist Andrea Bird now enjoys the slower pace of life here in the Algarve after leaving the hectic world of finance

After many years in the corporate world of finance, a degree in Business and Management and later a Masters in Psychology, Andrea finally made the break, moved to Portugal, became time rich, cash poor and opened her studio. Married with one adult son, her passion has always been to escape the rat race and explore her artistic potential. Her original introduction to the creative world came via the ancient technique of lamp work, and glass still plays a large part in her creations. Spending many hours bent over a propane oxygen flame, melting glass and watching the lustrous colours develop opened up the pathway to other mediums, including alcohol ink, resin and mosaics. As a mixed media artist, Andrea now uses myriad elements in her work, developing unique pieces of artwork which continue to evolve. While studying at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, Andrea learnt the technique of electroforming. In the UK she studied lampwork and in Athens sculptural mosaics. However, essentially being selftaught, many of her methods are experimental whilst combining traditional lamp work methods, mosaics, alcohol ink and resin producing both artwork and jewellery. Andreas work has featured in galleries in Portugal, the UK and China. Andrea says ´The luxury of being able to be introspective, take time to contemplate and focus on what really makes for a happy life is a gift - albeit one that’s been worked for. Each day is a new opportunity but not every day is productive. The ideas and inspiration can come at really inconvenient times, however the point is my mind is now open to so much more artistic opportunity. There is beauty at everywhere you wish to look. I believe everyone has a creative soul

but most of us never have the freedom to truly explore this side of our nature. If we measured success in creative terms, rather than pure financial gain, just think how different the world could be. My work with alcohol ink is mainly about the intense colours and the reaction of the ink with the alcohol, which leads to consistently original compositions. This is similar to melting glass and watching the developing patterns and colours either fuse together or repel leading to unique pieces of work. My mosaics are contemporary and often include other elements including inks, resin, acrylics, handmade lampwork and found objects. I try to recycle glass where possible including mirror and tempered glass. Various media is used to create one of a kind pieces that harness the beautiful light that’s abundant in Portugal. Shimmery, with a 3D quality you experience a different perspective from each piece from every angle and at different times of the day.

Email: andreambird@outlook.com Website: www.andrea-b-designs.com Insta: @andrea_b_designs FB; Andrea B Designs