Andrew J Millar is one of our most loved and collected Artsnug Artists. His delicate, distinctive polaroid collages quickly captivate viewers with their haunting, dream-like qualities. Gently glistening in the light from Andrew’s hand application of metallic leaf sheets, these miniature sized works unveil an imaginative world of magical realism and iconic vintage glamour.

Predominantly focused on the manipulation of polaroid film, Andrew is an experimental and playful artist who uses of materials like paint, spray paint, collage and metallic elements to assemble a unique vignette, often incorporating found vintage imagery. Dancing between reality and fantasy – these distinctive works of art are highly evocative and poetic.

We have been lucky enough to be allowed a glimpse into this extraordinary and remarkably unique process. Take a read to discover the magician behind the artworks…

Please tell us a bit about yourself, and the journey you took to become an artist.

I’ve had lots of dissatisfiying jobs and never lasted long so I knew I could only ever be self employed. I started to do a market stall in Brick Lane selling my own artwork and people gave me money for it. I carried on doing that for 6 years, constantly trying new ideas and refining them more and more until I was selling well online and galleries started approaching me.

What helped you to get to where you are today? Are there any people, events, or experiences that encouraged you or influenced you to do what it is that you do?

Definitely doing the market stall for so long taught me a lot, and I met some great people and good opportunities came from that. A great company called Impossible (now Polaroid) started to reproduce the film and I was obsessed with it. I had lots of communication with them and they helped me out hugely and still do now.

 What was the first piece of art that moved you? What was it about it that grabbed you?

Most paintings by Gerhard Richter grab me as I love the way he goes from total abstract and movement then back to lifelike reality. Like the ones with candles for Sonic Youth's album "Daydream Nation". ( Candle 1983 and Candle 1982 / © Gerhard Richter 2017 - featured below)

 What was the latest piece of art that you bought yourself?

The latest piece of art was Teenage Phantasm #102 (Verdigris) by Lucus Price (below right).

Where do you work best from? Do you have any habits, or a routine, that help you harness your creativity?

From my studio just opposite Folkestone Harbour. Each morning I like to ride my bike along the sea front.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Poetry, music & mezcal.

What is your current favourite piece in your own body of work? Why does it hold a special place in your heart?

"Fractured", it’s got a visual modern saintly message to it that doesn’t represent a gender.

If you could choose four pieces of work from the Artsnug collection, what would they be?

- Eris God of Chaos by Carne Griffiths

- Ophelia #3 by Rosie Emerson

- Deliverance (Gold Leaf Edition) by Cassandra Yap

- Sunrise by Gavin Dobson

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NEW WORK FROM ANDREW J MILLAR

POLAROID COLLAGES BY ANDREW J MILLAR