Shelby E. Andre
Thank you for visiting! This is a new journey and I am so thrilled to be sharing it with you.
I have always enjoyed art. I remember at a very early age righteously proclaiming to my uncle how I was going to be an artist when I got older. His response was simple, but life changing: “Keep practicing and you’ll keep growing.”
My artistic vision has experienced many changes over the years and I am still exploring and discovering new elements, techniques and ideas. I have dabbled in many different mediums and found my passion in paper. Paper was something I stumbled upon and it has since taken over - dictating all of my creative thoughts and ideas. My first paper purchase was a beautiful maroon floral pattern with textured velvet overlay. I had no idea what I would do with it, I just knew I wanted it. And so began my paper obsession.
I often will look at something and in my mind try to figure out a unique way to recreate that using handmade papers. Of course, using paper only adds to the creativity since I have a plethora of colors and textures to choose. And paper doesn't come without its own challenges. Particularly with the nature of paper and the way it interacts with the different gluing agents I use. I have come to understand the delicacies and temperamental personalities of the different handmade papers so I am more perceptive to their characteristics.
As I grow and further develop my artistic skills, I am excited to see what I create. As I mentioned above, I am always learning and trying out new techniques, testing the boundaries of my abilities. It is a little nerve racking when I first begin a piece, as oftentimes I do not always start with an intention. Or I will sometimes change direction mid-gluing, to experiment with a new vision. This happens most often with the different papers I use as they will dictate the way they would like to look, laid out next to each piece.
Please take your time to experience my pieces. Each one has a story that they would love to share with you. Colors, textures, and movement are some of the characteristics you will see. I hope to invoke some emotion from my viewers, preferably a positive one!
I have recently moved back home to Northern Virginia, having relocated from the beautiful driftless region of La Crosse, WI. I am so happy to be home and closer to family but I will always keep La Crosse in my heart with its magnificent bluffs, rolling farm lands and beautiful rivers. I'm fortunate to have my husband beside me and along for the journey, along with our feline fur-babies (Goosey Mamma and Tink) and our wonderful sweet beagle Ms. Bernie.
Happy Papering!
Shelby E. Andre
I have always enjoyed art. I remember at a very early age righteously proclaiming to my uncle how I was going to be an artist when I got older. His response was simple, but life changing: “Keep practicing and you’ll keep growing.”
My artistic vision has experienced many changes over the years and I am still exploring and discovering new elements, techniques and ideas. I have dabbled in many different mediums and found my passion in paper. Paper was something I stumbled upon and it has since taken over - dictating all of my creative thoughts and ideas. My first paper purchase was a beautiful maroon floral pattern with textured velvet overlay. I had no idea what I would do with it, I just knew I wanted it. And so began my paper obsession.
I often will look at something and in my mind try to figure out a unique way to recreate that using handmade papers. Of course, using paper only adds to the creativity since I have a plethora of colors and textures to choose. And paper doesn't come without its own challenges. Particularly with the nature of paper and the way it interacts with the different gluing agents I use. I have come to understand the delicacies and temperamental personalities of the different handmade papers so I am more perceptive to their characteristics.
As I grow and further develop my artistic skills, I am excited to see what I create. As I mentioned above, I am always learning and trying out new techniques, testing the boundaries of my abilities. It is a little nerve racking when I first begin a piece, as oftentimes I do not always start with an intention. Or I will sometimes change direction mid-gluing, to experiment with a new vision. This happens most often with the different papers I use as they will dictate the way they would like to look, laid out next to each piece.
Please take your time to experience my pieces. Each one has a story that they would love to share with you. Colors, textures, and movement are some of the characteristics you will see. I hope to invoke some emotion from my viewers, preferably a positive one!
I have recently moved back home to Northern Virginia, having relocated from the beautiful driftless region of La Crosse, WI. I am so happy to be home and closer to family but I will always keep La Crosse in my heart with its magnificent bluffs, rolling farm lands and beautiful rivers. I'm fortunate to have my husband beside me and along for the journey, along with our feline fur-babies (Goosey Mamma and Tink) and our wonderful sweet beagle Ms. Bernie.
Happy Papering!
Shelby E. Andre
Go ahead! Allow yourself to see paper passion through the eyes of an artist and experience the journey through textures, vibrant colors, and of course a plethora of paper! Your eyes will thank you for it.