Andrew L. Nelson

“I create images of unfamiliar subjects using concepts from exobiology, artificial evolution, technology-infused ecosystems and mathematics. Much of my work is focused on stimulating emotions or experiences associated with viewing objects of unknown origin, with no name, and with no overtly human connection. The subjects of my work, unearthly or unnatural creatures and plants, have a visual present: they are what you see. Some of these creatures display clues as to how they came to be, but others have a surreal aspect to their origins. They have no obvious natural origin, yet here they are ensconced in a non-anthropoid environment. All my work is done by hand using traditional drawing and drafting methods. I occasionally use analog slide rules for needed calculations and simplified versions of baroque and renaissance planar projection tools. Many of my drawings include very detailed arid landscapes and skis and a few of my works are just graphite landscapes.”