The Show

Meet the Artists

Your Portraits

Interview with Andrew Bell.

SP: How did you become interested in art?

AB: I guess I’ve always been interested in making art. As far back as I can remember I’ve drawn and built things, and I just wanted to keep getting better at making interesting images and objects.

SP: Could you describe what photo transfers are?

AB: In my case, a photo-transfer is chemically removing ink from a copy with the image face down on a porous surface (in this case plaster). The image dissolves (and transfers) into the plaster.

SP: What effect do you find from using photo transfers?

AB: I love the effect for many reasons. The image is reversed and 'aged' due to the surface being somewhat rough; it allows for incredible collage techniques, and it also creates an effect that appears as much illustration as photograph. I love creating things where people are not quite sure of what they're looking at.

SP: Why do you think you are compelled to paint portraits?

AB: I certainly don't consider myself as a portrait artist because generally I don't work in that field. I just find the head and face to be the most interesting subject matter as a starting point.

SP: How do you maintain momentum in your art practice?

AB: Momentum isn't too difficult for me to keep. I structure my ideas so that whatever area I feel like working in (drawing, photography, wood work, computer, etc) I can advance several projects at the same time. It took a long time to develop a system for sure; it takes years to figure out how you work best. Beyond that I have also had the most incredible support of a wonderful gallery (Ingram).

SP: Are there subjects you prefer to paint?

AB: My favourite subject would definitely have to be the female face and form, which is funny because I always thought it would be the male. I also like anything that has to do with my own warped version of history and science fiction.

SP: Was your experience on Star Portraits different from what you thought it was going to be?

AB: To be honest, my experience on star portraits was great, very professional and respectful. I have some experience working in the film and television industry, and I thought the crew was incredible.

SP: Over the years, how has your perspective switched in your artwork?

AB: I’m not sure if my perspective has changed at all actually just the world around me. As I grow older I find the issues and problems we all face fight against that childlike desire to simply explore. I’m certainly more patient and focused in my approach but I struggle everyday to remember how simple it once was to just have fun making "pictures".

SP: Where do you see yourself and your art in the future?

AB: My hope for the future is pretty humble. I would like to continue developing my craft. I have the same dream as all artists: to sustain myself doing only this, of course if there's a chance to become

Artist Stats

Ottawa resident, Andrew Bell, transfers photographs, and then manipulates his work with oil paint into a larger piece. He combines photo transfer, oil paint and at times text to all his work. Bell attempts to create fragments of distressed murals from another time and place. Afterward, he brings them as commentary on current issues and politics of our “time”.