Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Sharp.
Hi Andy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a British rocker, artist and entrepreneur who grew up in North Wales, went to college in London and ended up in Austin roughly 20 years ago. I’ve spent my time in Texas working in the IT industry, painting and playing guitar.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it’s not always smooth, but that’s what makes life interesting. Currently, one of my struggles is getting the exposure that I think my murals deserve. Before I started painting murals, I thought of them as permanent and a very public form of art, but it turns out they are very ephemeral and often only visible on private property. I would love to create more visible pieces for thousands to enjoy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I own and manage a software consultancy called Stella International, Inc. but my passion is within the arts. I play guitar in several bands and I’ve recently developed a love for painting murals. I’ve painted them around town at places such as Austin Regional Clinic, Bee Cave Pediatrics, and Elementary Schools. I would like to think my murals are different from others because they are original compositions collaboratively conceptualized and include elements of caricatures, British humor and cartoons. As an example, my Highland Park gym mural includes visualizations of motivational characters their coach Jim Deline created over his career. He uses photos of the mural in his presentations around the US training other PE teachers.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see more and more street art in and around Austin, especially with projects like HOPE. It’s definitely becoming a more progressive art form. We use to see only graffiti on walls. Now murals create a sense of place. It’s like going into a museum without having to go into a museum. Austin is the perfect place for it. My hope is that I may continue to contribute to it as much as I possibly can.
Contact Info:
- Email: andy.sharp@stellainternational.com
- Website: http://www.cartoonsbyandy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cartoonsbyandy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cartoonsbyandy
Image Credits
Photos by Vanessa Cerday Photography
