Destiny Andrews

As human interconnectivity reaches new technological depths of scientific development, our  social interactions have changed. My most recent pieces reflect: A struggle to understand the modern way of communication. Navigating relationships through virtual means often gives me extreme anxiety . In response I often find that I isolate myself from others. To navigate through the modern media one must develop a filter for what is real and that which is false. The more data we are exposed to, the more overwhelming this may become. For me, Social media makes it harder to connect to art and others, offering instead a menagerie of synthetic culture. In response I look to the past and draw upon the fantasy and escapism of romantic and impressionist art cultures. I am captivated by the way we interact with art and each other. Reflecting the contrast between the hope and anxiety that comes from the existence of the new virtual world.

As an oil painter, I work in the classical method creating full underpainting in raw umber and white, then adding innumerable layers of colors, textures and shading. Allowing myself the time needed to fully develop a painting organically, through countless hours and emotional meticulum. I also often enjoy working from live models, attending long pose sessions at a local studio. The live paintings are then developed further and finished in my home studio.  

Alongside painting, artistic skill sets including drafting, graphic design, interior design, spray paint art and specialized/credentialed lighting knowledge. Many of these skills I gained through 6 years Professional Experience in the lighting and design industries. Since beginning to pursue art professionally, I have had three paintings in gallery shows including one professional Juried show, and was accepted into an Art Residency in Arles, France.

Currently living in Portland, Oregon I graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where I studied History and Sociology. In addition, I have also taken various Fine Arts classes, most notable being those at the California College of Fine Arts in Oakland. I grew up in a very low income neighborhood in Stockton California and since then I have experienced losses due to drugs and the difficulties that come with great amounts of pain.