Andrea Niven - Artist Biography

I am a multi-disciplined visual artist who explores drawing, painting, mixed media, collage and film.  I hold a Bachelor of Arts in French Language Studies as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor.  After a successful career in education, teaching French for thirty years, I decided to achieve my goal of completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, currently in my fourth year at the University of Windsor.  My time to explore my creativity seriously as a visual artist finally has come to fruition. As I have entered the professional local art scene, I have developed a sense of excitement about my journey as a visual artist and look forward to the many creative opportunities that lie ahead.

 

I developed my passion for visual arts at a very young age where I grew up in Amherstburg, Ontario. The Big Creek Marsh was situated behind my family home where I was inspired by the beauty of the environment and the changes of the seasons. Accordingly, my artwork is predominantly a reflection of the natural world, and I often find metaphorical connections within nature that apply to my own life.  My current focus has been the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly. Observing its mysterious metamorphosis and transformation, as well as its perseverance and ability to survive in disturbed habitats, has informed the way I approach my mixed media works. I take inspiration from the energy and potential of the Monarch’s lifecycle. For me it has become a symbolic means to convey a message of potential, resilience, and hope that I want to share with viewers. 

 

I am also a proud member of the Métis Nation of Canada and committed to sharing Indigenous perspectives through my artwork in meaningful, appropriate and respectful ways. Furthermore, I enjoy collaborating on Indigenous art projects within the educational system as well as using my artwork to raise awareness about current environmental issues that affect our planet's delicate balance.