Andrew Thornton
he/him
Ligonier, PA, USA
Andrew Thornton is a professional fine artist, trained at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He works in painting, collage, and metalsmithing. His work explores identity through magical realism and fantasy. Andrew is the Co-Owner of Allegory Gallery in Johnstown, PA and Star Cottage Studio in Ligonier, PA. Andrew also was elected on the Board of Directors for Touchstone Center for Crafts.
“My work is a continuation of a long legacy of the exploration of self and identity through portraiture. Growing up gay and a person of color, most of my life has been a game of translation and seeing myself through other people's eyes and expectations. I am curious about the stories I have been told and the stories that I tell myself. My latest series investigates the way that I see myself and tell my truth.”
How does your work relate to the theme of flourish(ing)?
“When I was growing up and figuring out who I was, I was very shy. I felt strangely out of place and like I didn’t belong. Oftentimes I’d hide in the shadows and try to make myself small. Once I embraced myself and who I was, I began to flourish and step out of the shadows.”
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
“Wallflower” 2024 Acrylic, rose quartz, amethyst, moonstone, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal, vintage glass beads, and steel pin back. 2.25” x 3.25” x 1” Photo courtesy of the artistHow does your creative practice allow you to flourish (grow, thrive, blossom)?
“My creative practice allows me to flourish because I have learned to understand my workflow. I have set up stations that I can buzz around and pollinate like a bee. Sometimes it seems like I don’t get anything done, but then all of a sudden I have an abundance of work when things finally come together.”
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
As a queer+ artist, what would you like to see and/or what do you need in order to flourish during this time?
“These beaded brooches are stitched one bead at a time. I thought about covering the stitches on the back, but I think they’re a celebration of process and expose more of the story of how this piece was made.”
“I need a sense of security and community. It can be a scary world out there, but having people who have my back enables me to create authentically.”
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
[queerphoria]v4 @ ECU Symposium