Andrea Okeson is an Artist and Designer living, working, and exploring in the Twin Cities.
Her artistic journey began in sketchbooks, thick with glued ephemera and secrets, lept off the page onto large canvases, and now happily bounces between the two substrates.
Andrea can be found on Instagram at andreaokesonart and can be contact at andreaokesonart@gmail.com.
What does mixed media art mean to you?
Quite simply, mixed media art means everything to me! Since first discovering art journals as a teenager, mixed media and expressive journals have given me a voice, a way to see the world, and a way to process my emotions. I honestly don’t know where I would be without it.
How long have you been a mixed media artist?
I first began making art journals as a teenager. I had gone to Barnes & Noble in search of a book on OCD and ended up finding the work of Sabrina Ward Harrison. This was a life-changing event for me. I made journals throughout high school and college and picked it up again in 2020, when covid-19 confined us to our homes.
How has art impacted or enhanced your life?
As a person with depression & anxiety… and just a HUMAN in general, art has given me a reason to keep going when things seem hopeless. The impact of art on my life cannot be overstated.
Tell us about your creative process.
My creative process is intuitive. I typically don’t go in with a set goal or desired look- unless I am working on a specific commission for someone. I usually start by just putting a color that I am drawn to- or a piece of ephemera- and seeing what happens next. While I LOVE a beautiful outcome, it is the journey of each art piece that keeps bringing me back.
What inspires you?
LIFE- the ups and downs, the back and forth, the juxtaposition of light and dark. In more tangible terms- I would say: nature, flowers, animals, kids, vintage photos, peeling wallpaper, layers and layers of concert fliers & advertisements, a range of colors, landscapes, music. I could go on and on…
What do you do when faced with a creative block or rut?
I try to just keep showing up- but if it’s truly a rut, sometimes you just have to rest through it and trust that the inspiration will come back.
What are a few of the mixed media art supplies you find yourself returning to?
Caran d’ache water-soluble crayons, masking tape, and vintage photos.
Who are some of your favorite mixed media artists?
Emily Hildebrand, Sabrina Ward Harrison, Wendy Brightbill, Aimee Bishop
Where would you like to go with your art? What are your goals?
I want to keep making art throughout my entire life– however that can happen in a sustainable way is my goal.
Aside from art, what makes you giddy in life?
My Partner Sam, being an Aunt, baby animals, naps, sparkling water, coffee.
