ARTIST FEATURE & GIVEAWAY BY RENEE MICHELE ANDOLINA

Renee Michele Andolina is an Illustrator, Designer, and Educator from Long Island, New York. Her work is a harmonization of hand drawn images and delicate digital processes. Traditional drawing methods are nurtured and often fostered in all of Renee's work. She is fond of wearing bows in her hair, being left handed and enjoying life.

 

An Interview with Renee Michele Andolina

When did you first start your craft? I've been drawing my whole life, but only started sewing during my senior year of high school. I was given my great grandmother's 1950 Singer sewing machine, and began to teach myself how to sew.

How did you discover your talent?

I have always loved art, but my Grandmother taught me how to knit, make wreathes, and craft during my elementary school days. There is a video of me somewhere during a school presentation where all the students were asked what they wanted to do when they grew up and I replied "I want to make arts and crafts!"

What drives you to create?  I have always been a self starter, which comes in handy on those days you want to be lazy! Personally, I feel worthless if I am not doing anything creative, even as simple as a doodle in my sketchbook. I have a hard time just sitting down and watching TV without doing something else productive

How do you get inspired? I'm inspired everyday, in books, on TV, the students I teach, other artists, everywhere I go. I tend to daydream a lot. I carry my sketchbook with me at all times because if I don't record my ideas, I will completely forget a minute later.

How would you describe your style? That's a hard question. I'm a very colorful person, between my hair and the clothes I wear. I would say my style is a mix of cute, girly, and sporty, with a sprinkle of grotesque. 

What is your favorite part about your creative process? My favorite part is just zoning into the process while creating. If I am drawing and really into it, hours can go by and I wouldn't even realize. Those are the times when you just let yourself go and then new ideas arise.

What are your favorite items?

I like the wallets I make because it's a harmonious mix between my illustrations and a usable accessory!

Who are some of your biggest influences, artistically or personally? Bestey Johnson is one of my biggest influences for a lot of reasons. I grew up watching her fashion shows, loving her style and enthusiasm. My dream came true when college ended and I had pleasure of working with her! She is such a loving, passionate, and carefree person who loves life every day, and making everyone around her smile. That is the way everyone should live life. Aside from Betsey favorite artists of all time are Alphonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt, Egon Shiele, and Heinrich Kley.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a mini canvas watercolor series of women which I hope to hang in a show soon, and a zombie pinup girl illustration.

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?  I don't know if I have ever gotten a specific kind of advice that I've held onto. I used to think that it was bad that I always got bored quickly, but I have now learned to use it to my advantage creatively! 

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