Biography
Andrea Pratt was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and grew up near Horseshoe Bay. After receiving a BC District Scholarship for art in Grade 12 she attended the University of Victoria in Victoria, BC, and received her BFA in 1983. She travelled frequently in Europe during those years and also attended the University of British Columbia where she earned her BC Teaching Certificate in 1987.
For the next thirteen years she worked as a teacher, both in British Columbia and in Greece, and started a family with her husband, Gregory. After an almost 18 year hiatus she decided that it was time she returned to her roots, and in 2001 left teaching to start painting again. Since then she has participated in numerous exhibitions in Canada and the United States, won awards and built an impressive portfolio. Her work can be seen in collections internationally. In 2007 Andrea achieved signature status (AFCA) with the Federation of Canadian Artists.
Statement
I have a passion for colour relationships, symbolic imagery, organic forms and patterns. Being lucky enough to live where I do, the inspiration for most of my paintings, drawings and mixed media work is rooted in the natural world but I like to combine my imagery in unexpected ways to create pieces in a highly distinctive style. Using my camera (currently a Nikon D70) almost every day has taught me to see possibilities everywhere. The imagery of indigenous people and primitive motifs are an additional and ongoing source of fascination to me, and I admire the elemental nature, strength and depth of meaning in these images.
