Photograph by Bradford Raines

Frequently Asked Questions: An Intraview

Inner Monologue (IM): What's the matter with you?

Andrew Godwin (AG): I am fully present, doing my own thing. What's the matter with you?

IM: Hey, look, I’m the one asking the questions. Moving on. So, what is it that you “do?”

AG: I’m an artist, making drawings and paintings, mostly. Right now, I’m looking at all the different ways everything in the world is connected. I’m making drawings that are super realistic, but you can’t tell exactly what they’re drawings of- or their scale. So, a drawing that’s taken from a walnut or a pinecone or some seeds might look like caves, or blood cells, or a mountain range. And that makes me think that all those different things you see might be related in some way.

IM: Uh, ok. Hmm. So, how to do you get the ideas for these?

AG: It usually starts when I'm running. I get a feeling of something big that's embodied in something small- of how everything is connected, and the extents of those connections are too vast and diverse to express. I want to crack that door in someone’s mind- to let in a little light that says “there’s more going on here.”

IM: So, what, you think everyone should look at your work and ooo and ahh and be so impressed by your almighty insight?

AG: I make the work for myself because I feel compelled to do it; it brings me joy to practice in this way. Not a bad philosophy for life, right? For the work to fulfill its potential, it needs to connect with others and have meaning beyond my intentions. So, ultimately, I do want it to get out the door.

IM: Yeah, but why should anyone care about your little pictures?

AG: The task of the artist is to be the Fool, to put yourself out there and hope that your vulnerability helps you grow and connects with someone else and helps them, too. It’s called optimism, look it up. “Should” is kind of a dirty word, don’t you think?

IM: Ugh. Look, why don’t you get a real job?

AG: All jobs are real jobs, and suffering isn't necessary to validate one's work, though there's a specific type of suffering involved with being an artist that I happen to enjoy. I appreciate you for asking these tough questions. It gives me an opportunity to explore my thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions: An Intraview

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