Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Soria.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally from Florida, I pursued a career in graphic design and was a self-taught photographer. I ended up merging those skills to create the artwork I do today. It took a long time to find my focus. In the beginning, I enjoyed graphic design, but ultimately didn’t see myself doing it full time. I felt I could tell a more meaningful story with photography. However, I didn’t have a traditional sense of photography. I was most fascinated by architecture. I made a few graphic design composites in 09’, but none of It clicked till I moved to Miami. I was submitting photographs to my first gallery in Miami and sent one of my cityscapes. The gallery director asked if I had more cityscapes, particularly ones of Miami. Which I didn’t, so I went out and created “Wannabe Here” & “Pride & Joy”, in about a week for my first group exhibition. From there, the whole digital art cityscape idea started to form. I began to focus on the concept of creating uniques views of the city, in my own way. Today, I’ve shown and sold work in galleries throughout the US.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely not, I think the transition from Miami to Los Angeles was the most difficult, yet the most important for me. I’ve learned a lot and gained the real-life hustle of being in a major city. Miami is a major city, but still up and coming. I found it hard to stay focused on my goals. It was too easy to sit back and relax in the sunshine state.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I create pop surreal digital photo collages of urban environments. They’re created in photoshop, using original photographs. It’s a meticulous process. I shoot these images on foot, gather a library of images, and stitch them together all in photoshop. Like fitting together the pieces of a puzzle. Each composite compiles dozens of images, to form one scenic view.
What were you like growing up? Personality-wise, interest wise, etc.
I grew up in New Jersey and took to art right away. I have a few spotlight memories from my childhood involving art. I remember my kindergarten teacher calling my mom into school for a picture I drew. I drew a ninja turtle in art class and turned over the page to continue to draw the back of the turtle shell. She never saw anything like it at my age. Around the same time, I remember winning an art competition for a local art event. My parents would tell me stories of my fascination and astonishment of being exposed to art at such a young age.
Contact Info:
- Website: Andrewsoria.com
- Email: andrew@airosdesign.com
Image Credit:
Dean Bradshaw
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