Today we’d like to introduce you to ANDRE AMARAL.
Hi ANDRE, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Brasil and moved to Houston with my family in 1998. Went to UH-Clear Lake and it was there that I decided to try painting with printer inks I salvaged from empty cartridges. I was also part of an artist collective called the Montrose Art Society, organizing monthly art shows.
I work by myself mostly on commissioned work and a few paintings a year and have done some collaborations with Group Acorde with some of my art as part of the set in their performances.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Art has never been my main source of income. I’m a graphic designer and have worked in the sign/printing industry through all these years. That has been my source of recycled ink for art and has facilitated things for me. The struggle has always been growing a presence online and selling more art.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is mostly pop art inspired, and usually depicts Brazilian culture/objects and refers to the nostalgia felt by those living away from their native country. Other topics are often martial arts and dance, and the work always uses recycled ink as a medium and sometimes other recycled objects as well.
Most of the time, only the four printer colors are used without pre-mixing: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. The colors are also painted separately and allowed to dry before the next color is added.
I have recently started creating three dimensional pieces painting with printer ink on clear acrylic as well.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Currently, some of my work is on display at Piola Midtown (3201 Louisiana).
Instagram is my main tool for promoting my art at the moment, so follow @artbyandreamaral if you’d like to hear about my new work as it comes out.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: artbyandreamaral
