About Abstract Artist Andrea Beech

Andrea Beech - New Zealand Abstract Artist

I met German-born New Zealander Andrea Beech on a trip to New Zealand in January 2004. New Zealand has a vast and vibrant local art seen with many artists of exceptional talent. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Andrea by my cousin who lives in New Zealand and works as an art therapist. Andrea was the first abstact artist to join Ariki Art back in 2004.

When I visited Andrea's studio I was taken by her energy and vitality, and could not resist buying a piece of her art for my collection. I hope you will be similarly compelled when you see the abstract paintings in her online gallery at Ariki Art.

Andrea is making quite a name for herself in the local art scene in New Zealand as an up-and-coming abstract artist, and I encourage you to consider investing in her talent before her reputation drives her prices higher.

Although Andrea lives in New Zealand, she is willing to ship her work to most countries at your expense. If you are living in New Zealand or planning on visiting New Zealand and would like to visit Andrea's studio, please contact me and I can introduce you to Andrea or provide you with a list of galleries that are currently offering her work.

You can get to know more about Andrea Beech by reading this interview I conducted with her at the beginning of 2004.

How and when did you get interested in art?

My interest goes back to my childhood. I was always interested in playing with different materials, colours and textures. This interest has led me through my path in life in many different ways. Painting /drawing, wood and stone sculpting, pottery and back to painting.

Do you have any formal education in the arts or are you self-taught like so many other artists?

I have a Diploma in Ceramics from Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand, and worked
as a studio potter in Gisborne. As far as my painting is concerned, I am self-taught.

What media do you tend to use?

I work with acrylics, oils, pastels, and mixed media.

Have you exhibited at any shows?

Here is a list of the shows that I have exhibited at: (Current early 2004)

Crossroads Gallery, Wellington. Solo show ‘99
Community Art center Hastings 1998 and 2003
Art Feast, Havelock North 2000, 2001,2002, and 2003
Creative Napier 2001
Autumn home and Garden show, Westpac Stadium, Wellington 2001
“Toast": Wellington Solo exhibition 2002
Royal Easter Show, Auckland, twice
Art Works Rotary Club Auckland 2002 & 2003
Electra Gallery, Waipukurau, solo 2001, mini -exhition 2003 “Orua Wharo”,
Central Hawke’s Bay, twice
"Art Extravaganza", twice
Hawkes Bay District Council, solo 2003
Hettinga Estate winery, solo 2003
Millennium Art competition 2001
Telecom New Zealand Art Awards, twice
Hawkes Bay Review, 2003

You've been pretty active in your shows. Have you won any awards at these shows?

Yes, at the Hawkes Bay Millennium Art competition 2001 I was placed 2nd in show.
And I was a finalist in the Telecom New Zealand Art awards in 2001.

How would you describe your style?

My style is abstract and free. I bring to my work a rich experience of the world from traveling widely. Additionally, my deep interest in my surroundings, both physically as well as socially, contributes to how I express myself in my paintings. My "Landscapes” are of an “inner” nature, where I try to call the core of life out of chaos, thus bringing expression to an idea, touching the essence or the concept behind the appearance. I try to achieve this through simplicity but with a depth that allows the viewer to get involved.

Are you prepared to accept any commissioned work?

Yes. Please contact me through
ArikiArt expressing your interest. I am happy to consider all requests.

Are you a full-time artist?

Yes, I am.

Would you like to share anything about your life, your family, and your art?

Life is an Art! Art is life ! I am always exploring what life and art is all about and where it is going . There always seems to be far more questions than answers. I am fascinated with the wonders of nature, it’s unattainable beauty and chaotic order. I love my big garden (and the work it needs).

Whenever I can, I go walking in the “bush”, wild hills and mountains, or at the sea. My big family is most precious to me. One of my six children is still at home while the others are largely grown up and spread all over the globe. I miss them , but also am grateful for the time I have now to put into my artwork.

We, (my husband Martin, the youngest son Max, our dog “Snag’ and the pussycat, a beehive and some chickens) live in a fairly rural setting surrounded by many trees shrubs and birds.

My family are all passionate about opera and classical music, theater and other live-art forms. Two of my sons are actually professional musicians! We have no TV, preferring to go out to the movies occasionally. I like to spend my evenings reading anything from world politics to philosophy and spending time with family and friends and eating good food.

Works posted to ArikiArt prior to this blog being established can be viewed at Abstract Art by Andrea Beech. New works will be posted to this blog as they become available.