By Oliver Lees
Andrew Nicolaides is a visual artist, song-writer, hip-hop dancer and physical performer. Andrew has received multiple accolades for his art, including the Hume Artist Award in 2020 and 1st and 2nd prize for his work at the Sunbury Agricultural Art Show. His abstract art will be showing at the Hume Global Learning Centre from April 1 to June 12. He spoke with Oliver Lees.
What is your connection to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges?
I live in Riddells Creek and I attend the BoilOver Theatre Group in Sunbury,
I also have support from Distinctive Options Service Provider in Sunbury.
What do you like to do with your spare time in the area?
In my spare time I play my guitar and write songs. I like to go to concerts and I like to paint and draw every day.
I enjoy playing with my dog “Scotty”. I like woodwork and hanging out in the shed, and I make my own guitars.
Why do you choose to express yourself through different artforms?
I choose to express myself through music and painting because these are my passions and I like to perform.
Can you tell me about your upcoming exhibition at the Hume Global Learning Centre?
My upcoming exhibition at Hume Global Learning centre is an exhibition of my artwork and songs which I did during 2020 lockdown.
It helped me to cope with being away from my friends and family.
It was my way of expressing my feelings during a scary time of COVID.
I am grateful to the NDIS funding that has enabled me to fulfil my dreams and further my skills. I have wonderful support workers that help me with developing my talents.
Recently one of my support workers Peter passed away from cancer, it has been a shock and a very sad sad time for me. I will be singing songs that we wrote together during the opening night and there will be a video of Peter and I singing together.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I like people to know that I am a happy person and enjoy everything that I do.
I also have a girlfriend Savanna and she is a wonderful person.
I would also like to add that I have a great family who support everything I do.
I also attend hip hop classes and song writing classes with Wild At Heart Community Arts and Art Project Australia. They have been a great support and inspiration for me in achieving my goals.
