Andy Eccleshall Biography

I was born in Stafford, England in 1967 and sold my first artwork at the age of 14, with the production of a series of architectural limited addition prints. I studied Illustration at the Exeter Faculty of Art and Design in southern England, graduating in 1992.

After working as an illustrator, fine artist and bus driver in England for a couple of years I was recruited by a company in Greenwich Connecticut as an assistant mural painter and moved to the United States in 1994. I set up my own mural company in Connecticut in 1996 which I ran for three years until moving west and marrying my wife, Ingrid. I continued to produce my own fine artwork which at the time was a combination of abstract, realism and literary elements. We moved to Seattle in 2000 after the birth of my son Jack, and started a new company The Mural Works, Inc.

At the age of 15 months Jack was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta or brittle bone disease, after a spiral fracture of his right tibia, caused by a simple fall. He is now 7 and has had 15 broken bones, all leg bones, plus numerous smaller fractures. He has just had his 3rd tibial osteotomy (rodding of the tibia) and is currently sporting a bright orange and green stripy cast.

Jack is a truly amazing individual. He has an extremely positive attitude and is wise beyond his years. People have commented in that he is like a beam of light. He bares his situation with grace and courage and is an inspiration to us both.

Jack’s predicament has meant that either I or Ingrid has to be at home on call during school time and we are at school with him for each outdoor recess. This in turn means that the workweek is split between Ingrid and I, mine is a three day week, and Ingrid’s is a two day week, stretching finances thin. It has been extremely difficult to find any time at all to dedicate to painting. The time I do find is extremely precious and I have to make it count. I know exactly what I’m going to paint before I paint it because I can’t afford to spend time repainting. Time spent painting is time not earning, it is a luxury to paint and I have huge respect for it. It is a sacrifice for the family to have me spend time in the studio and I love my family for the support that they give me and the belief that they have in me.

I met art rep Marni Muir in 2003. She has waited 5 years for me to produce a single piece of work for her to show or hang. She had such faith in me that she gave me the month of November 2008 for me to hold my first art show in her gallery in Pioneer Square, Seattle. When she gave me the date she knew that I had nothing to show at that time. This has given me the drive to produce this body of work and I thank her for her patience and faith. I am extremely proud and grateful to have this opportunity.

So my first show is drawing near. Marni recently asked if I would like to hold an event of any kind during the show. The thing that came instantly to mind was a fundraiser for the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation. The organization is dedicated to the support of those affected by the disease and the search for a cure. The third Saturday will be dedicated to raising funds and awareness for this great cause.

My goal eventually is to be living off my fine art and devoting all of my working time to producing the work that I am so passionate about.
Powered by MosaicGlobe.