andrew heath artist
Education work
Having practised figurative painting in oils for several years, I took my knowledge and approach into my first educational opportunity as artist in residence in 1997.
It was a compelling and rewarding experience and since then I have worked in numerous schools across the region, often returning with further projects. Painting, especially mural painting, remains my main medium here, although I subsequently introduced mosaic making as an alternative and complimentary practice.
Having emerged from my studio, the participation work and commission work in schools and other similar organisations has developed into a separate and distinct body of work. It has its own direction and dynamism and has allowed me to further my interest in aspects such as pattern and colour.
Art in education is naturally collaborative and I aim to involve students across the stages, in designing and developing ideas and in the making process.
Usually the artwork produced is site-specific and with durability in mind, either for internal space or outside. Though varying in scale, the finished artwork tends to be large in surface area with an emphasis on colour, line and movement. We often explore elements from figurative to abstract geometric patterns. My approach is celebratory, accessible and inclusive.