Born in England to a traditional 1960s conservative family, Andrew grew up in an environment whose values clashed with his emerging desires for freedom and self-expression.
Despite a natural inclination toward music, artisanal crafts, and abstract art, Andrew followed the expected family route and built a successful professional life in engineering and business consulting.
Having owned a graphic design and print business, Andrew launched a contemporary embroidery house in 2004, developing bespoke embroideries for artworks and panels for residences, palaces, and superyachts.
After the 2008 market crash and subsequent health issues, Andrew spent eight months in Taiwan, living by a beach and absorbing another culture. It was there that he found time to reflect and reconnect with his own aspirations.
Returning to the UK in 2013, a new chapter began when he met his future wife, an Austrian native. Andrew soon moved to Austria to immerse himself in yet another culture.
Acting as an international business consultant for a specialist luxury natural material recycling manufacturer, Andrew developed a range of artworks finished in mother-of-pearl and other natural shell materials.
Being part of this creative environment rekindled Andrew’s passion for art.
Andrew then founded, with his wife, The Alt Collective—a successful furniture company providing solutions to high-end hotels and restaurants—while also designing his own furniture collections.
In 2018, Andrew finally embraced his artistic side. Over the past six years, he has developed a collection of large canvas paintings, drafts, sketches, and inspirational pieces. For Andrew, painting became a means of reclaiming his identity—a journey from compliance to self-acceptance.
In August 2025, Andrew will present his first public exhibition in Mondim de Basto, Portugal. It marks a significant moment in his artistic journey—an opportunity to share his deeply personal work with the public. Though he has always been a private person, this exhibition symbolizes his commitment to his art and his willingness to share it with others. Andrew’s story serves as a reminder that the pursuit of one’s true passion is not always linear, but is worth the struggle to realize.
Behind Mine Eyes represents those experiences, thoughts, and emotions we endure, yet often share with no one.
Andrew has named the inner persona that drives his art Ems, and presents his artwork under that name.