An Interview with Artist Andrea Fischer

Every month during the First Friday Art Walk in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe we bring in an artist or maker for a pop-up! This month we’re bringing in textile artist Andrea Fischer. We’ve worked with Andrea several times over the last few years and we love both her and her work! Ahead of her pop-up with us, we asked her some questions about herself, her art, and sustainability. Enjoy!

Most of your art pieces were relatively small when we first met, but that's certainly not the case anymore. What advice would you give to artists that are looking to explore working on huge projects and installations?

There can be many factors that can hold back artist from making large work. Supplies, time, studio space, storage. When I started making larger work, I focused on what materials I already own, making everything in pieces and making things that can easily be stored.  I would suggest trying to work larger than you normally do, use materials that you have easy access, work in sections. To scratch the itch immediately , build a giant fort in your living room with things in your home! 

What does sustainability mean to you, and how does your art reflect that belief?

To be Sustainable is to be mindful of your wants and needs in terms on consumption. When at all possible using what you already have is the most sustainable choice. When it comes to my art, my first step is asking myself, ”what can I make from the things I have in my studio.” 

You've been making a lot of clothes recently! What inspires that part of your work?

I needed new clothes! Everyone wears clothes — art that is functional! To be honest there are many reasons that have inspired my clothing design journey.  My fashionable grandma has always encouraged me to make my own clothing, she sends me magazines clippings and has consistently asked me why I haven’t yet! Shout out to my grandma Gracie. I’ve always enjoyed playing dress up and dressing my friends for going out! Making clothes for others is a way for me to continue to do that. Bonus points, one small step towards fighting fast fashion.

Last time we talked, you told us that you try not to keep fashion icons because it makes you want to buy "new" clothes. Does that still hold true for you?

I still do not have any one specific fashion icon, but I do feel inspired by the people I see in my everyday life. It’s parts and bits of others outfits, how they stack their necklaces, the type of socks they wear etc. 

My newest clothing obsession is the idea of a capsule wardrobe. You basically have a minimal amount of clothing that all works together. My dream is to have my closet full of perfectly tailored clothing that I made myself! 

If you were an animal/breakfast cereal/ice cream flavor/style of architecture, what would you be?

If I were an ice cream flavor, I would be “Superman ice cream” I’M ALL ABOUT THE COLOR and kids love my art, lol.

What are your goals as an artist, and how have they changed over the years.

My goal as an artist is to afford to be able to make art every single day for the rest of time! Making art as my job is truly my dream. Anything after that is just a bonus! I’m extremely lucky to call this my job. More clothes, more installations and more yarn!

Are there any artistic mediums you'd like to explore that you haven't tried yet?

Not necessarily a medium, but I would like to explore teaching more art. I’ve taught a couple classes and it was an absolute blast. I would to share things I’ve learned over the years. 

You're designing our window display for the month of August! What can you tell us about what you have planned?

It’s my three year anniversary of installing art at Strawberry Mountain! Let’s just say people might confuse the store with a flower shop! I never hold back at Strawberry Mountain and I would like to see how many colors I can bring! 

Thanks for reading! If you’re interested in being one of our featured artists, send us an email. We’re always looking to expand our community and showcase the talent our city has to offer.

Until next time,
“Be excellent to each other”