Bio

Early Life: Born in 1962 in a quaint market town in Norfolk, England, Andrew Harrison's childhood was a blend of rural charm and playful mischief. Growing up in a close-knit family, he experienced a nearly idyllic, "Famous Five" style upbringing, albeit with a working-class twist. His early years were filled with adventures in the countryside, shaping his imaginative and creative outlook.

Education: Andrew attended a local grammar school, commuting 12 miles each day on a red double-decker bus. While many classmates used the travel time for homework, Andrew's tendency for motion sickness left him daydreaming out the window instead. Though he struggled to find engagement in most subjects, his passion for art consistently shone through. After leaving school midway through the sixth form, Andrew embarked on his journey with a sense of adventure and a spirit of improvisation.

Introduction to Photography: One of Andrew's first jobs was as an assistant to a nearly blind, pipe-smoking estate agent, where he was tasked with photographing properties using an Olympus Trip. This sparked his interest in photography, leading him to devour photography magazines and become enamoured with commercial and advertising imagery. By the early 1980s, Andrew had set his sights on a career in photography.

Early Career: Starting as a photographic assistant in Norwich, Andrew worked closely with commercial and industrial photographers, mastering the technical aspects of the craft. His first darkroom experiences were magical, and he quickly became proficient under the guidance of his mentors. Freelancing followed, with significant influence from Gerry, a local advertising photographer. These experiences cemented Andrew's love for the intersection of creativity and technical precision.

Personal Life and Continued Pursuits: After running his own studio in Norwich, Andrew took a break from photography, during which he met and married Caroline, the love of his life. Caroline's support reignited his passion for photography. They moved to South Africa, where Andrew quickly established himself as a still life specialist, focusing on food and beverages, primarily using large format film. His business thrived until the advent of digital photography, which prompted a career shift.

Diversified Ventures: Post-photography, Andrew explored various fields, including running an adventure team-building company in the African bush and developing a system to secure and track shipping containers globally. Despite achieving notable success, including three patents, this corporate detour left him yearning for creative fulfilment.

Return to Photography: Encouraged by Caroline, Andrew returned to photography, rediscovering his passion through still life and nostalgic imagery. Setting up a small home studio, he began creating intricate images of objects from his past, blending technical skill with creative vision.

Current Work and Future Aspirations: Today, Andrew focuses on promoting his limited edition prints and participating in exhibitions. His work, especially with dried flowers, reflects a meticulous process of visualizing and crafting images in his mind before capturing them. While building his presence internationally remains a challenge, Andrew is committed to sharing his art and continuing his creative journey.