Artist of the Month: Andrea Geile

StAnza Presents... Larry Butler

i: Artist of the Month

Andrea Geile

andreageile.co.uk

Andrea Geile trained in printmaking before studying Art/Sculpture in Hanover, Germany. She has been working from her Edinburgh studio since 1995.

Andrea’s sculptures and performances condense and interpret nature and ecology. Both her permanent and transient artworks investigate how social processes have shaped and utilized landscapes for our political, economic and immaterial needs. It is observation of nature, environmental concerns and climate change, cultural identity and political and social issues that drive her work.

She collaborates with communities on projects about biodiversity, urban planning and research into rural land use. Meant to question and regenerate her art practice, it allows her to explore and experiment with new materials, themes and engagement processes.

Her sculptures are made mainly from everlasting corten steel, a weatherproof, clean and no-maintenance material. She fabricates all artwork in her studio, using plasma hand-cutting and welding to create the intricate patterns. By tracing the shapes of objects, handwriting and plants into metal, she creates sculptures that comment on technology, nature and human touch. The artwork is often grouped with real plants to create a contemporary version of ‘Gartenkunst’, which challenges existing notions of ‘garden art’ and ‘land sculpture’. Her organic and architectural forms merge with the planting and form a symbiotic relationship.

Andrea says: My sculptures are hand-cut in my Edinburgh Studio from weatherproof corten steel, depicting natural forms and leaves. I am particularly drawn to Ivy: the everlasting and ever-growing, a historical synonym for fertility and classed as a vigorous ornamental plant of major ecological importance. It is also known as Bindwood and Lovestone for its habit of hugging stone. On the other hand, it is perceived as a serious invasive species and a horticultural weed. The Ivy motif is a recurring theme in my work as it is a good representation for life itself and its challenges.

Local communities are a vital component of her art practice, taking part in and being part of the process and influencing the outcome. In the last few years Andrea has incorporated art walking events into every public art project. These are fun events for all ages and abilities.

Andrea has received awards from Creative Scotland, VACMA, the Royal Scottish Academy, Visual Arts Scotland and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, among others. She exhibits internationally and her sculptures are in many private and public collections. Andrea often works to commission.

You can find Andrea on Instagram @andrea.geile and on Twitter @AndreaGeile

Images: All photography by the artist, except Subtropical Leaves by Michael Wolchover (reproduced with permission).