BIO Andy's design sensiblity leans towards pre Columbian influences, "Emerging from many months spent among the Maya at the age of 13 when I accompanied local artist and photographer, Mac duff Everton in the Yucatan in Mexico, learning both Spanish and Mayan. That period, plus several return trips, was a pivotal experience in my life". says Andy. Whether inspired by Pre Columbian design or one of his dreams,( using humble tools of a carpenter, hammer, chisels and sandpaper) Andy turns ordinary rocks into sometimes hauntingly and always beautiful open eyed faces, seductive torsos, mystical animals and utilitarian bowls. A perfectly smooth surface emerging from the natural cleft of a stone or a bush hammered surface, techniques shared with master stone carvers like Nogucci, Da Vinci and Moore. Andy has chiseled his way into the hearts and homes of many Santa Barbara residents. Along with the myriad of personal pieces purchased and commissioned by collectors like Lucas Lackner, Andy has collaborated with many local architects including Jack Warner, Bob Easton, and his true champion, Jeff Shelton. Andy's self taught masonry talents and industrious hands have built landmark walls, unique fireplaces, centerpiece waterfalls and fountains and elegant Mediterranean entry surrounds, one hand placed stone at a time. Andy prefers to quarry his own rock,making the entire process personal and indigenous to that site. Andy thinks that "surrounding the world with art, is the most comforting revenge in unsettled political and economical times". A recent large shipment of prime limestone from Texas along with prolific whimsical architectural collaborations with Jeff Shelton, are currently spurring Andy's creative energy. One might imagine that if you were to be invited to his home for dinner, Andy would serve you Stone Soup.
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