About Andy Mason

Andy grew up near historic York in Northern England, studied astrophysics to degree level, and travelled widely in Asia and Australia before going into IT support for a major UK bank.

Two years later, he joined the family business as IT manager. Then the call of solo entrepreneurship led him to write a marketing book, develop a digital marketing company, and pursue his interest in creating high-quality artworks.

The result is a growing range of stunning large-format prints. After considering canvas-mounting, print experts’ advice led Andy towards even more distinctive prints on heavyweight satin paper and hand-bonded to cast acrylic.

Andy’s vision is to create highly collectible digital artwork that gives decades of pleasure, reflection, imagination and escape in our homes and offices.

More About Andy…

I grew up in a small village in North Yorkshire called Ampleforth – our house was an old haberdashery shop built in the 1800s which my parents converted to a home of their making in 1993. It wasn’t unusual for my meals to be mixed with dust and grit, much to my Mum’s frustration, as the house was rebuilt – Dad was out all day so he only saw the house when it was cleaned up!

Third-Generation Entrepreneur

My family has, at one time or another, always been entrepreneurial with Dad dipping his toes into business ventures after becoming disillusioned with the corporate way of working. I can recall that my first taste of entrepreneurship was when I accompanied him to the local gliding club and set up a car washing business – Dad always insisted that if I wanted something I had to go out and find a way. And if I couldn’t find a way I had to make one!

I used the proceeds to buy my very first bike – a great feeling to know that I had actually earned it myself – that was definitely a valuable lesson.

Growing Up

I also remember having to carry some books that my grandfather had written about the local RAF station – I was loaded up with copies of this book and asked politely to go out and sell them whilst the air-show was taking place. I hadn’t done anything like this before. An hour later I returned with absolutely no sales but it did teach me another little lesson about how to approach people, and just as importantly to take, and learn, from failure – something I didn’t appreciate at the time.

Creativity Begins

At about this time I started to ‘experiment’ with various media. By the time I had finished with felt tips I decided to borrow my dad’s oil paints and started to get a feel of brushes on canvas. This is my first oil painting – ‘Jimbo and the Jet Set’ – do you remember this era of cartoons: such classics as ‘Count Duckula’, ‘He-Man and the Masters of the Universe’, ‘Inspector Gadget’ and the fantastic ‘Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds’ – loved them!

Stars, Planets and the Universe

I don’t know what started my fascination with the night sky but maybe, like most of our generation, we were hugely influenced by Captain Kirk and all the memorable characters and stories that followed. One day Dad suggested we were going somewhere – I didn’t have a clue, but as we arrived at the local airport he surprised me with a flight to Iceland to see the aurora borealis. I had the great pleasure of meeting Patrick Moore who certainly didn’t mince his words to people taking flash photography in the aeroplane!

University Days

So began a three-year stint at the University of York to study astrophysics. I really enjoyed the challenge of the mathematics and eventually obtained my degree which was hugely satisfying as, I believe, I was the first one in the family to get one. However, my main reflections are the wonderful people I met and still regard as friends. Most of these people in the picture are married now with children of their own – where has the time gone?

Off Around the World

After university my best pal Jim and I – that’s the reprobate above on the far left at the top – decided to see what lay beyond York so we began a great journey to discover the wonders of Cambodia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, Austria, Thailand and Singapore. We were amazed to see the differences in culture and we certainly learned a lot about people (and us) and had many little adventures of our own including surfing in Bali (nearly got swept away here), drinking the various local brews, catching dysentery (lost a lot of weight!).. We returned safe and sound much to my parents’ relief – now I’m beginning to realise how they felt!

Ventures into the Big Wide World

My first job out of university was working for a well-known international software company on their helpdesk which had to provide a high level of service with clear explanations on solutions to technical problems – the variety wasn’t exactly great but I learnt a lot about teamwork and how to talk to people, even the ones that bellowed down the phone!

However, I didn’t like the regimentation – would you believe I even had to ask for permission to go to the toilet and even then I was timed. So, here I was aged 23 with a degree behind me and absolutely no prospects at all. I don’t mind admitting that it was getting me down. So I had to make a decision.

More Flying

After a break from flying I eventually returned to a small airfield near Selby called the Real Aeroplane Club which at the time hosted such classics such as a Supermarine Spitfire, a Hawker Hurricane and a North American Harvard – then as now when you hear those engines roaring down the main drag it literally make your hair stand on end.

I also flew with dad in a yellow Tiger Moth which I know was always one of his particular ambitions – really basic flying with minimum instruments but, in reality, taught you how to fly accurately…

A New Beginning

Although my father already running a successful business he was developing an idea around the internet and he invited me up for a chat. Yes, I was unhappy where I was so “why don’t we team up to develop this new venture together?” Well, that was it – I jumped at the chance and handed in my notice. From that moment I was hooked on the internet and how we could create an income by developing and selling products or services – it seemed that everyone was using it and we wanted to be part of it.

Family Man

In 2011, I married my long-term girlfriend from the south of England. Michelle is a highly qualified occupational therapist and is totally supportive and offers continuous encouragement. I’m very lucky to have found her.

 

Pooch Games

Ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted a dog – especially a Labrador. Michelle was in favour so we went to a local breeder in Bristol and, amongst a whole host of puppies, we chose one which we call Phoebe. She has been an absolute delight and has become a true member of our family. It’s great to get out walking and although I love technology and creating; it’s really important to me to get out walking in the fresh air accompanied by my loyal friend.

She’s trained up really nicely now and often sits by my feet while I’m creating my art – great on a cold winter’s day!

George!

In 2012, Michelle announced that she was pregnant and in November our little boy arrived. We named him George Peter. Well, to say that he has changed our lives is a complete understatement – he has given so much pleasure and joy, but boy, is he hard work!

I always thought that my parents were wimps when they went to bed at 10 o’clock at night – now I know why.

 

Creativity Still Evolving

My art and skills as a digital artist have definitely become my passion now and I continue to experiment with design and concepts, which I’m pleased to say has evoked so many encouraging comments from friends and family. One of my pictures actually became shortlisted in an international competition, gaining some surprising and welcome comments from industry leaders – that was very inspiring (and rather humbling) to say the least!

My art processes have evolved dramatically which means that I can now show my work to even greater potential, as modern techniques mean that I can produce large-scale canvases and, together with the laminating components, results in something unique and individual for people to hang in their homes or offices.