I seem to be absorbed by sunsets,clouds and gardens where ever I go. At my studio, I simplify their colours and forms to reveal something meditative, gentle or even a little fun.
I seek to make a "kind" kind of art, something we all need more of in our busy lives.
A professional artist since she was 22 years old, Andrea Fono has traveled and exhibited her work extensively around the world. Her favorite paintings are those which combine her inspired spiritual discoveries with her love of nature.
She is currently promoting her documentary, Inspired in Fiji, about bringing art supplies to village children in Fiji. She intends to combine her passion for teaching and travel into a TV series that introduces people to the secrets and basics of art making.
Presently she is also writing a book of her experiences and insights on being an artist; titled, Artist Cake: Recipes for a Chaotic and Fulfilling Life.
Having been raised in San Francisco, she has traded in the culture and milieu of a the city for free parking in the suburbs. She resides with her husband, Frank Rocky in San Carlos, California and her art studio is near to the marshes of Redwood City.
Sappho, her dog, is now on permanent loan to her parent's, Paulette and Laszlo, who cook Sappho Arborio rice with fresh lamb,carrots and Bulgarian yogurt every day.
Click here to see Andrea's Resume.
On a visit to the Grand Palais in Paris in the 80's, I saw Paul Cezanne's water colors. His still lifes of fruit and tree-scapes were captivating. Their "unfinished" airy quality seemed like refracting gems on a page.
Other influences are Henri Matisse's bold simplification of forms from nature, Wassily Kandinsky's abstractions, denoting the spiritual in art, American born, Milton Avery's use of broad plains of flat and pretty colours, to living artist, Richard Tuttle's urgent need to evoke play, and irony into design and language.
My other favorites are Jennifer Bartlet who's skilled draftsmanship combined with practiced repetition using every medium to make a paintings of beauty in a hundred different styles.They blow me away and I start every project by looking at her books first. And finally, Nicky St.Phalle, who was a maverick in her use of fantastical spirited themes in giant multi-colored demi-god, semi-beast sculptures. Her art leaves me with the experience of glee and wonder.
