When one enters the Visual Arts room at Kingston High School, a powerful creative presence is unleashing the talents of his students. James Andrews, a young teacher who inspires, also creates and his paintings are on view at Poulsbo’s ChocMo Bistro through the end of August.
KHS Fine Arts Boosters shines the spotlight on this artist who “feels super excited to see my work up on the wall, see the story unfold and see how my works relate to each other.”
He added, “ChocMo provides a great alternative space to private and cooperative galleries, where things like mine fit. It is a godsend.”
Andrews’ work is figurative, personal and surrealistic. He is not creating art solely for the purpose of sales or to fit into a certain commercial “niche.” Rather he is focused on making art that tells the stories and asks the questions that he has inside him.
After hearing first what the viewer sees and feels he will walk them through the specific archetype and symbolism in the story. “Conversation is important. Science, philosophy, religion are all connected, all asking the same question: ‘Why?’ ”
I met Andrews at ChocMo. An artist myself, I listened intently to what he had to say about art and what he stresses with his art students. “Art is communicating what is on one’s mind and heart. Like spelling and grammar, once you know the rules you can start saying what it is you have to say.”
The father of two young girls he spends late nights painting.
“When the impulse strikes, I can’t walk away,” he said.
By focusing he schedules time for art and family. His wife is a stay at home mom and is his toughest critic. He appreciates it when she may say, “I’m not getting it — what are you trying to say? Be clear in your message.”
Mary Ryan coordinates the art shows for ChocMo. She said the No. 1 criteria is the artist is a local person. Andrews lives in Silverdale and has taught in the North Kitsap School District for 13 years, starting at Kingston Junior High before moving to the high school. With 20 works hanging in his show, he meets the criteria of having enough to fill the space, and his professionalism and seriousness is shown by his website. Ryan finds Andrews’ work unique and thought-provoking.
ChocMo owner Peter Crabtree turned his chocolate shop student project at West Sound Academy into this bistro, featuring his own artisan chocolates, specialty beers and wines, as well as coffee and light fare. He is committed to featuring and supporting things local including artists.
James Andrews is a terrific and inspiring artist and teacher and our FAB Spotlight column often features his students. His students receive scholarships and awards and now we can experience his work. He is a real gift to the richness of our artful life here is North Kitsap.
