Interview with Andrew J. Switzer III - October 2023 Artist of the Month
Art has been a big part of the Greenhouse since we opened. It was always our intentions to connect our community with artists we loved and found interesting. We have had monthly art shows since we opened. We are ever grateful for the art community embracing our space and all the artists (OVER 100 at this point!!!!) that have participated in our shows. Each artist has changed the feeling in our shop with their art, bringing their own energy in to our space and it is magic!
Andrew J Switzer III’s work is no different. It is so colorful and has so much movement and energy. It brings out the best in our little shop.
He has been making for as long as he can remember. He discovered graffiti when he was 6 on a family trip and was amazed and intrigued by it. He studied at USM in Hattiesburg majoring in drawing and painting with a minor in art, but it wasn’t until he moved to Wisconsin and traveled through the Midwestern cities that he decided to start combining his training with his love for graffiti and music. He has always love painting big, and has murals in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport and Biloxi.
You went to USM for drawing and painting. How did that path shape you?
College did more to influence me to break the established rules. It was very much a lesson in the theory of art and what the great masters did. While I have great respect and love for the artists of the past that just wasn't me. I was inspired by street art, graffiti, murals, album art, tattoos and low brow forms of art. I actually did not do well in art school.
You paint in both small scale (the canvas) and large scale (a wall). Do you prefer one over the other? Why?
Both large and small formats have their perks. With small pieces I really focus on the portrait or image where as with murals and large format canvi I get more loose and crazy with the entire design.
Is there anything in the making world that you want to try but havent? Any new medium, technique, etc?
I would love to dive more into the mixed media world adding cut and paste stuff, sculptural parts and do an entire installation show.
Public art seems really important to you. Can you talk about that a little?
The public art world was my first introduction into art. As a kid traveling with my folks thru the north east I saw some graffiti and it was love at first sight. The colors, the size, that it was part of the landscape just grabbed me and never let go. I want to provide that feeling I had to future generations of artists. I want to do more pieces where I have creative freedom and not just logos.
When do you first remember wanting to paint?
I was always making something or drawing but I was 15 the first time I picked up a brush and for the last 26 years I have not stopped.
If you had to describe what you feel when painting in one word, what would that word be?
I feel complete. I'm doing what I was meant to do.
What do you do when you aren’t painting?
I read a lot. I'm a single and I love when the kids are off school. We play a lot of board games, travel and go to parks.
Is there anything else that you want to tell people who are going to come and look at your pieces, or are thinking of coming to view them?
My work is based around contrast and how 2 opposing things can work together. My portraits are black and white and the backgrounds are super colorful and lose. It's a metaphor for humanity, skin color doesn't matter and we can work together no matter our differences.
What is your favorite thing to snack on when you are making?
I'm a sucker for a hummus plate and a Dr. Pepper
You are a father! Is making something you share with your children?
My girls absolutely love making stuff while I work. My 11 year old is really good and shows a lot of promise it she chooses to pursue it. They have a wall in the house dedicated to their art. They come with me to murals and festivals and help in areas they can.
Thank you, Andrew, for your beautiful art in our shop and our time in this interview.
You can find out more about Andrew J Switzer III on his Instagram x_embrace_the_chaos_x or his Facebook Page
OOOOOO! You visited this blog this week! Here is a little thank you from us! SHOW THIS POST AND GET 10% off on your order of food and drinks. …. Now through 10/28/23
Here are a few pics of biscuits with Switzer’s work too!
