I come from a family of artists. Both of my brothers are—one a painter, the other a sculptor. My father could make anything in wood including frames for one son’s paintings and a roll top desk for the other. My mother’s fingers flew through multiple Aran sweaters for all of us and intricate crocheted tablecloths and bedspreads—all of her own design. My husband’s family is the same. His cousin is a gifted painter/sculptor and her son-in-law is a multi-media artist—Carlos Andrade– whose fine artwork is featured on the covers of two of my books—GlOrious and Confessions of Joan the Tall and variations appear on my website and blog. Of all the art that surrounds me, Carlos’ work moves me most.

An exceptional person—tender and wise, Carlos is prolific in several art forms—painting, installation, geometric design, and collage, my personal favorite. Remarkably, Carlos tells stories—whole histories—with his collages. His subject matter stretches beyond the physical to the internal terrain of human experience—to the unconscious worlds that shape and define us—each influence, each aspect of the self represented in his intricate, psychologically probing art. Steeped in religious—specifically Catholic imagery, side by side with more secular, childhood and natural world symbols, his remarkable work flows from a deep understanding of and acceptance of human nature. Other hallmarks of his art include:  super-imposed hand written language, rich and abundant color,  and the use of blank/white space and cut/torn out sections that add to the universality of the work by inviting the viewer to participate more deeply in the work. His is a generous art that emphasizes our shared humanity. When one encounters an Andrade work, he/she is moved emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually by this deeply moral man whose vitality, integrity and imagination seem boundless. It is my great honor to know this man and know his art—an art that speaks to/from the core of me.  Thank you, Carlos.