I am an artist, which hardly makes me unique. What does make my story unusual, though, is that I also have schizophrenia.

I've always had an interest in art. My grandfather was a Sunday painter and I've been surrounded by his paintings since birth. Even as a young child, I wanted to paint like Grandpa. I’ve been surrounded by his paintings my entire life, so I believe that I come by my gift both through nature and nurture. My parents recognized my gifts and interests early on, and always encouraged me.

Tranquility, acrylic on panel, 11" x 14"

In high school my interest in music began to override my interest in visual art. I enrolled in college as a piano performance major, intending eventually to get my doctorate and teach at the college level.

After earning my AFA degree in music, I attended the University of Texas at Tyler. There I started having problems. I had trouble focusing and remembering things I read. I could not process music mentally. I eventually became unable to function in school and had to drop out. Mentally and emotionally I continued to deteriorate. Finally, on the advice of a friend and my doctor, I started seeing a counselor, who referred me to a psychiatrist for medical care of my developing illness. She finally diagnosed me with schizophrenia coupled with major depression.

I returned to art to help me communicate. I could not verbally describe many things that were happening in my mind, but I could draw them. Eventually, with new medicines, my condition improved somewhat.

I still struggle with my illness, and there are many days that I cannot paint. But I make the most of the days that I can.
Art, in addition to being a means of communication, can also sometimes serve to distract me from my illness.

Although I took art in high school and have taken workshops, I am primarily a self-taught painter. I have read many books on various aspects of painting, but when it comes down to the canvas and me, I paint intuitively. I work in an impressionistic, representational style. Because of my schizophrenia, my mind moves rapidly, so I don’t tend to include a high amount of detail. However, I am also hyper-observant, and I have a desire to get people to see the world around us more deeply as I do.

My paintings have been included in several shows, such as "Labor of Love," a traveling exhibit sponsored by VSA Arts of Texas; "Arts on the Hill III" in Kansas City, MO; and "Connections 2," part of the Abilities Festival in Toronto, Ontario. In addition, my artwork will be included in Arts on the Hill IV in October 2006. I continue to enhance my skills to better pursue exhibition opportunities.

To view more of Andrea's work go to http://www.andrealavigneart.zoomshare.com/