New in Town: Enden Arts

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It looks like flat artwork from afar, a closer look brings out the striking 3D detail of woodcut laser vector art. Taking a traditionally digital art form and transposing it to the physical realm, artist Andy Drier opened up his studio to produce passion projects and commissions for the Lansing community.

“I’ve always had odd jobs, but whatever I did, I didn't really find the stimulus,” Drier said. “I needed a platform that was creative, challenging and expressive.”

Spending time networking with other Lansing artists, Drier moved away from his career in transportation.

“I met some amazing, inspiring and hardworking individuals and thought, ‘They are going for it, they are doing it and pushing for their dreams,’” Drier said. “So, I decided not to renew my work contract and open up an art studio.”

Practicing art has been a lifelong pursuit, said Drier. “I messed around with different mediums my whole life. It all came together for me this past winter.”

The Lansing Makers Network gave Drier a push in the right direction.

“They have a laser cutter over there, and I just wanted to get into the Makers Network to make things with my hands on a smaller scale. I saw all the different toys they had there, and somebody showed me how to use the laser cutter. I fell in love instantly,” Drier said.

Drier said it was like seeing his future set out before him.

“As soon as I made my first pieces, I knew this was my medium,” Drier said.

Drier said StreetKitchen owner Jeff Deehan told him to whip up a proposal. Liking what he saw, Dehaan commissioned the piece. “It is going to be a hexagon bee pattern to mimic the hive," Drier said.

Working on two new series called “Stay Silly” and “Hydrate,” Drier said placing cut out words on top of his art came organically.

“I made a portrait of this top hat man. I was in a goofy mood and ‘Stay Silly’ stuck on his head. I also have a puppet I made named Sprocket, who is black and green, and one day I was thirsty and wrote ‘Hydrate.” said Drier.

Drier grew up in Holt. He said Lansing has changed for the better over the last five to six years, which inspired him to stay and open up there.

“You may have to dig for it a little bit, and it helps who you know. But, the artistic community is thriving and progressing,” he said.

Opening the studio gives him a creative satisfaction other jobs wouldn’t,. “I don't think I would ever be happy doing anything different than chasing a creative process to support myself. It’s progressive, expansive and the more I do it, the more I learn about myself."


Enden Arts

For inquiries, contact

Enden Arts via EndenArts@gmail.com. For more information visit: www.endenarts.com

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