Andrew Tomkins

Andrew Tomkins’s work captures an appreciation of the global environment, and with hope, stimulates concern for the future of the natural world. The title of “Open Cut ” refers not only to the technique of construction with the artwork, but also refers to the mining industry in the process of mining coal . Andrew Tomkins also uses the term to refer to other primary industries including forestry and mining that interferes with the natural environment and place these ” littoral” worlds at the cutting edge . Paradoxically they can be beautiful places, as in the forestry overflow pond , “The Forest and the Lilypond ” where the natural world fights back to heal itself His present style originated on a trip to China, leaving with the aim to create a contemporary, Western response to the Chinese brush painting style viewed in Beijing. He encourages the audience through his work to question the physical piece, the composition, the medium and the method of creation. Through exploration of the works, the audience should contemplate the underlying motif of environmental advocacy and hopefully leave with a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

Andrew Tomkins studied at Julian Ashton Art School from 1986 to 1990 after gaining his qualification as a builder and surveyor and obtaining his builder’s licence in 1985. His appreciation of the natural world and the environment combined with his passion for art has resulted in numerous art prizes including the Henry Bucks of Mosman Commendation Prize as part of Mosman Art Prize 2015, Fairfield Art Prize (Acquisitive) 1989, Drummoyne Municipal Art Society Drawing Prize 1989, RAS NSW Drawing Prize 1989 and the Macquarie Towns Art Prize (Acquisitive) 1988.  Andrew Tomkins was also a Finalist in the Waverley Art Prize 2015, Art Gallery of NSW Wynne Prize 2014, Gosford Art Prize 2014, 2013 & 2012, Fleurieu Peninsula Art Prize 2013, Campbelltown Art Prize 2013, Mosman Art Prize 2012, and Art Gallery of NSW Dobell Drawing Prize 2011. He had also exhibited at Grafton Regional Gallery, Manning Regional Art Gallery, Cowra Regional Gallery, University of the Sunshine Coast and Glasshouse Port Macquarie as part of the JADA Drawing Award (Travelling Exhibition) 2015 & 2014.

Andrew Tomkins “Open Cut” Exhibition Opening

 

Andrew Tomkins Exhibition Opening