2017 Featured Artist: Andy Anh Ha
Andy Anh Ha's Cumin Line Series features Mixed Media on Wood
The featured artist for State Street's 50th fair is the incredibly talented and inspirational Andy Anh Ha. Andy’s unique and self-taught artistry has earned himself recognition by many. A few of his well-known collectors include Jessica Alba, Lily Collins, and Ben Savage. The jumpstart to his career was the first art show he ever participated in. The Beverly Hills Art Show in 2005 recognized his work and awarded him 1st place in painting and the Gil Gorbos Award for Most Original. His early successes only motivated him to share more of his work with the world.
Andy was born and raised in Nashville, TN and graduated from University of Tennessee with a BFA in Fine Arts in 2004. He currently resides in Los Angeles as all of his work is produced at his studio in LA. He has a personal gallery in Nashville that he has owned and run since 2008 with the help of college friends, Katie and Jack, who are current representatives. He shows in various galleries and art shows across the United States and has a variety of collectors from all over the world consisting of the rich and famous as well as the common art collectors and people in between.
In a recent interview, Andy opened up about his inspiration deriving from nature and added, “Something that is innate, intrinsic to your everyday life that comes without hindrance. I try to create a sense of organic design.” His eye is drawn to the natural elements of the world.
““From the texture of bark and formation of branches to the deep layers of the ocean and the look of natural stones, these and everything in between create our environment, that’s my inspiration.” ”
His artistic technique is a unique process that he’s come to learn over the past 20 years. Starting in high school, he learned by experience and is self-taught, which is what makes his art so special and unique. When speaking to the origin of his artistic techniques he noted, “Like a scientist would with an experiment to find a result. I have tried many combinations of mixed mediums and would say I've found my niche. I formulate and create mixed mediums applied at different intervals to create depth and texture through layers.”
Through mediums such as, acrylics, oils, polyurethane, polymers and acetone Andy creates valuable pieces that demonstrate the concept of individuality. “What is art if it's not unique to the creator and observer?”
Some exciting projects of past and present for Andy include the showcasing of his art in the symphony building in Honolulu, Hawaii, the Houston Arena in Texas, art for the set design in the television show True Blood, and “Fifth and Broadway” in Nashville, among many more. We are so excited to showcase Andy as our featured artist this year and look forward to seeing what the 2017 fair has in store for his art. You can get a full look at Andy Anh Ha and his artwork at his website here.