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  The Artist's Words  

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At age 12, I began to develop my calling as an “Artist of the Spirit” through self-taught meditation, drawing, painting, yoga and the study of the emerging field of metaphysics. Through this passionate study, accompanied by drawing and painting, I felt a deep connection to the other side of the veil.

My life's prayer is "God, bring through me whatever is necessary for us to see with the talents you have given me".

Unbeknownst to me at age 12, unconscious markings arose from channeled information that flowed through me, out of my hand and onto the paper and canvas.  At age sixteen, my parents took me to an exhibition at the Detroit Institute of the Arts entitled “Rembrandt after 300 Years”.  Inspired by a self-portrait of the artist at age eighteen, I felt moved and compelled to become “one of the greats”, without knowing “how”. By the time I was sixteen my paintings resembled those of the still life painters of the 18th Century.

 

I began to meditate, well, actually astral traveling in my own way, not knowing what this was eventually led me to experience what I will call a melding with everything, the macro and micro universe. I had vivid and aware “states of being” while visiting many amazing otherworldly places.

​

Our family moved to Toledo, Ohio in 1970 during my senior year in high school.  Since all my classmates were from Detroit, I felt very alone and I focused on oil painting and drawing day and night, basically self-taught from an early age. The transition to the University of Toledo/Toledo Museum of Art School and Design was easy since my talents had already been developed, but required a masters guidance.  My teacher, Diana Attie was quick to recognize my abilities guiding me to acquire the necessary skills becoming a talented draftsman, and I went on to explore printmaking.  I graduated from the University of Toledo with a degree in Medical Illustration and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

 

During graduate school I became interested in the photographic arts, being light based and able to capture reality, I eventually explored light as a medium in itself and  developed a “Light Painting System” to paint with light as a painter would, using light as a raw source material on light senstive, photo-sensitive papers.  I had an electronics engineer build a “light brush”, a fiber-optic tool where I could stand and paint with light as photographic chemicals recirculated over the light sensitive paper in a large upright easel tray that I invented.

 

In 1994 the Kodak Corporation sponsored my exhibition and catalogue of the “Discovery of The Living Picture” (The Mold Picture Process) series at the Amerika Haus in Frankfurt, Germany , where I represented the United States Information Service of an artist abroad. Two years later the major biotech corporation Promega published this discovery in the science world as a major discovery bridging the arts and sciences.

​

After graduate school I founded and operated a house painting business in and around the Madison, Wisconsin area for 16 years, which afforded me the income to work my thirst for creativity. This business afforded me eight months to develop myself and pursue my art career.  I exhibited principally in Chicago and Germany. My works have been collected by institutions and individuals across the globe.

 

I worked as an Art & Multimedia Director for an Internet start-up, providing video and art for their online templates.  In 2000, I was contacted by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to teach creative photography.

 

Since 2012, I have been a featured speaker/presenter at various spiritual conferences, where I present "The Spirit Box Experience”.  It has become a passion and a vigorous pursuit of mine to assist others through the arts to understand and connect more in depth with their own spirituality and oneness.

  Vitae  

Andre Ferrella

Inventor of Photographic Instruments and Techniques

The Living Picture-Mold Picture Process (post processing photographic negatives with organic substances)
Ferrella Photographic Easel (large scale continuous multi-exposure/multi-processing system)
The Light Brush (airbrush- and painting-like light instrument)
Multi-Tiered Photographic Exposure Masker

 

Born Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.


1978-1980   University of Wisconsin-Madison, M.F.A.
1971-1975   University of Toledo/ Toledo Museum of Art School of Design, B.A.
                      (Art, Film, Medical Illustration, Science)

 

2020

  • 4Pillars4Health, The Philosophy of Light, Monona, Wisconsin University of Wisconsin

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging

​

2019

  • Marzen Gallery, Live Painting Performances, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Social Justice Center, Live Painting Performances, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Quality CBD, Live Painting Performances, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Professional Development Grant University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging

 

2018

  • Marzen Gallery, Live Painting Performances, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Quality CBD, Live Painting Performances, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging

  • Professional Development Grant University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

 

2017

  • Marilyn Harper Quantum Living Conference, Chicago, Illinois

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging

  • Professional Development Grant University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
     

2016

  • Kryon Summer Light Conference, Hot Springs, Arkansas

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging

  • Professional Development Grant University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

 

2015

  • Kryon Summer Light Conference, Sedona, Arizona

  • Kryon Seminars with Lee Carroll, Chicago, Illinois

  • IANDS.org, San Antonio, Texas

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging

  • Professional Development Grant University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

 

2014

  • Exploring the Quantum Keys of Light, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Kryon Summer Light Conference, Mount Shasta, California

  • Up Close with Lee Carroll-Kryon, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Whitewater Arts Alliance Exhibition, Whitewater, Wisconsin

  • Light workers Midwest Conference, Naperville, Illinois Transformational Talk Radio Interview, WBLQ     

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging

  • Professional Development Grant University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

 

2013

  • Exploring the Quantum Keys of Light, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Kryon Summer Light Conference, Mount Shasta, California

  • Up Close with Lee Carroll-Kryon, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Whitewater Arts Alliance Exhibition, Whitewater, Wisconsin

  • Light workers Midwest Conference, Naperville, Illinois

  • Kryon Seminars, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Kryon Summer Light Conference, Mt. Shasta,

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging

  • Professional Development Grant University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
     

2012

  • Kryon Summer Light Conference, Sedona, Arizona

  • Dr. Todd Ovokaitys Workshop, Sedona, Arizona

  • Dr. Todd Ovokaitys Workshop, Madison, Wisconsin

  • The Rise of The Fallen-Wisconsin, The Highground Memorial Park, Neilsville, Wisconsin

  • The Rise of The Fallen-Wisconsin, Sonoma, California

  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

  • Studio 84, Manacles of Memories, Whitewater, Wisconsin, Faculty Exhibitions

  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Rise of The Fallen

  • The Highground Newsletter, Wisconsin

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging
     

2011

  • The Rise of The Fallen-Wisconsin, Milwaukee War Memorial/Milwaukee Art Museum

  • The Rise of The Fallen-Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

  • Presentation of The Rise of The Fallen by invitation to the National VFW organization, Washington D.C.

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging
     

2010

  • The Rise of The Fallen-Wisconsin, a Midwest travelling commemoration to the American soldiers who have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison

  • WISC3TV, Documentary on The Rise of The Fallen, Andy Choi

  • Presentation of The Rise of The Fallen by invitation to the National VFW organization, Kansas City

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging
     

2009

  • The Rise of The Fallen, a commemoration to the American soldiers who have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan, First Unitarian Society, Masonic, Madison

  • The Rise of The Fallen, a commemoration to the American soldiers who have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan, Masonic Center, Madison

  • Benefit for The Wisconsin Women’s Health Organization, State Capitol, Madison

  • Benefit for United Cerebral Palsy Organization, Madison

  • WISC-3 TV, Documentary on The Rise of The Fallen, Terri Barr Benefit for Big Brothers/Big    Sisters Organization, Madison

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging
     

2008

  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Faculty Exhibit

  • 50 Plus Lifestyles Magazine-Andre Ferrella-Artist of the Spirit

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging
     

2007

  • Artist of the Spirit - Andre Ferrella, Elmhurst Art Museum

  • “The Spotlight shines on Andre Ferrella”, Brava Magazine

  • “Andre Ferrella - Artist of the Spirit”, ZDF television documentary, Germany, France

  • Artist of the Spirit - Andre Ferrella, Comcast Cable Documentary, Chicago

  • Lecture Art Cologne

  • Lecture Loyola University Museum of Art -“Spirituality in Art”

  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Faculty Exhibit

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging
     

2006

  • Artist of the Spirit - Andre Ferrella, Elmhurst Art Museum

  • Artist of the Spirit - Andre Ferrella, Elmhurst Art Museum

  • Scar Tissue, Commonwealth Gallery

  • Lecture Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst, Illinois

  • Lecture Unity Association of International Churches, Seattle, Washington

  • Andre Ferrella - Artist of the Spirit, Multimedia DVD, Elmhurst Art Museum

  • “Ferrella nears timelessness with least spectacular works”, Chicago Tribune, October 19th

  • “Andre Ferrella - Artist of the Spirit”, Comcast Cable television documentary, Chicago

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging
     

2005

  • ONE FROM WISCONSIN, West Bend Art Museum

  • Beyond the Boundaries, The Art of Digital Photography, Fairfield Museum of Contemporary Art

  • Art Koln 2005, Germany

  • Oskar Friedl Gallery, 15 Anniversary Exhibition

  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

  • Portraits, Schneider Gallery, Chicago

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging
     

2004

  • BlueStar, Sony Center Berlin, Germany

  • Art Koln 2004, Germany

  • Kunst Koeln 2004, Germany

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”
     

2003

  • Fluxus Spirits, Fluxus Headquarters, Germany

  • Spirit Boxes, [DAM]Berlin, Digital Art Museum, Berlin, Germany

  • Spirits, Oskar Friedl Gallery, Chicago

  • The Living Pictures, Charles Allis Museum

  • Beautiful Flowers, Villa Terrace Museum

  • Night Pyramid - Kites on Ice, multimedia installation on Lake Monona, Wisconsin

  • Surrealism: Space and Psyche in Play, Spaightwood Galleries

  • University of Wisconsin Whitewater Faculty Exhibition

  • Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, multimedia installation, Japan

  • Quicksilver Gallery, Berlin, Germany

  • Art Vienna 2003, Austria

  • Art Cologne 2003, Germany

  • Art Innsbruck 2003, Austria

  • Chicago Photography, Oskar Friedl Gallery

  • Lakeview Museum, Peoria, Illinois

  • University of Wisconsin Whitewater

  • Art Chicago 2003, Oskar Friedl Gallery

  • “Andre Ferrella finds freedom in simplicity", Chicago Tribune, July 11th

  • Must See Gallery Shows, Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, Gallery Night, Milwaukee

  • Footlights-the total performance magazine, on the cover, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

  • "Spirit in the box", Die Welt review, August 8th

  • River west Currents, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 23rd

  • Andre Ferrella shows at Oskar Friedl Gallery, New City Chicago, Michael Weinstein, June 30th

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”
     

2002

  • Night Pyramid - Kites on Ice, multimedia installation on Lake Monona, Wisconsin

  • Night of Thoughts, Oskar Friedl Gallery

  • Digitale Fotographie-Living Pictures, Essenheimer Kunstverein, Germany

  • Art Vienna 2002, Galerie Lieser, Austria

  • ArtChicago 2002, Oskar Friedl Gallery

  • Lazzaro Signature Gallery of Fine Art

  • New Work, New Faces, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

  • ArtFitters, Madison, Wisconsin

  • CyberArts 2002, PrixArs Electronica 2002, Linz, Austria

  • Kingsfoot Gallery, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Photo Fest 2002, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Andre Ferrella - …a triumph of technique”, Chicago Tribune, Alan Artner, March 8th

  • "Schimmelbilder Andre Ferrellas in Essenheim", Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung review, Sept. 3rd, Germany

  • "Schimmel verleiht Fotos Lebendigkeit", Mainzer Rhein Zeitung review, Sept. 3rd, Germany

  • "...a triumph of technique..." Chicago Tribune Review, March 8      Treasures from the Vault, Oskar Friedl Gallery

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”
     

2001

  • Discovery of the Living Picture, Loyola University

  • The Digital Garden, Galerie der Gegenwart, Wiesbaden, Germany

  • Oskar Friedl Gallery

  • Digital 2001, Galerie der Gegenwart, Wiesbaden, Germany

  • PhotoFest 2001, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Loyola University Chicago (2001) Lecture and Presentation

  • Kunst und Gesellschaft, Beitrage zu einem komplexen Verhaltnis, Hans Zitko, book

  • Kehrer Verlag Heidelberg ISBN 3-933 257-25-5

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”
     

2000

  • Snapshot, Contemporary Museum, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Buddha, Oskar Freidl Gallery

  • Die Electronic Art Gallery, www.oki.de, Andre Ferrella, Dusseldorf, Germany

  • Wisconsin Film Festival

  • Creative Agenda, Chris Bjorkland, WORT 89.9, interview with Andre Ferrella

  • THE BUDDHA SHOW: 25 Artists Interpret Buddha, ArtScope.com

  • PhotoFest 2000, Madison, Wisconsin

  • Lecture and Presentation Toledo Museum of Art/University of Toledo

  • Lecture and Presentation School of the Art Institute of Chicago

  • Lecturer University Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Photography, Expression, Experimentation”, Digital Photography & Imaging
     

1999

  • Natural Canvas, Kevin Lynch, The Capital Times, Madison, Wisconsin, June 11     

  • Wisconsin’s rich and varied Palette, John Aehl, Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Wisconsin, September 5

  • Triennial, Kevin Lynch, The Capital Times, Madison, Wisconsin, September 15
     

1998

  • Supplement d’Art, Ecole des Beaux-Arts St. Etienne, France, June

  • Art of a Different mold, Wisconsin State Journal, October 11

  • Lynch, Kevin, The art of sight unseen, The Capital Times, Madison, Wisconsin, January 30

  • Teaching University of Wisconsin-Madison, Advanced Photography - “The Ferrella Photographic Easel and The Principles of Light”
     

1997

  • Lynch, Kevin, Promega does art right, The Capital Times, Madison, Wisconsin, August 27

  • Lynch, Kevin, Jazz, The Capital Times, Madison, Wisconsin, July 9

  • Fisher, Joan, Andre Ferrella, Madison Magazine, Madison, Wisconsin, May

  • Vallongo, Sally and Laub, Kim, News of Art - Andre Ferrella, The Blade, Toledo, Ohio, April 1

  • Aehl, John, Moldy beauty, Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Wisconsin, March 12

  • Lynch, Kevin, "Living Art" photos exquisitely textured, The Capital Times, Madison, Wisconsin, March 12

  • Mr. Eddy, Andre Ferrella Isthmus, Critics Choice, Madison, Wisconsin, March 7

  • The Source for Discovery, 1997 Promega Catalogue

  • Teaching University of Wisconsin-Madison, Advanced Photography - “The Ferrella Photographic Easel and The Principles of Light”
     

1996

  • Veranstaltungen, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Germany, October 14

  • Veranstaltungen, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Germany, October 21

  • Die "Schimmelbilder" entstehen bach Vergradben der Negative, Frankfurter Neue Presse, Germany, September 16

  • bab, Andre Ferrella - Wechselbader, Frankfurter Rundshau, Germany, October 21

  • Eastman Kodak Corporation's WorldWide Marketing Professional & Printing Imaging Division Project Grant for publication of a color catalogue in conjunction with the EMANATIONS Exhibition (Frankfurt)United States Information Service sponsorship for US Artist Abroad to represent the United States for the 50th anniversary of the Amerika Haus in Germany

  • Delta Airlines co-sponsorship for US Artist Abroad
     

1995

  • Rhem, James, The Eyes have it, Andre Ferrella "paints" powerful photo imagery, Isthmus,

  • The Culture, City Notes, Madison, Wisconsin, November
     

1993

  • Foerstner, Abigail, Photography, Chicago Tribune, February

  • Wieduwilt, Stefan, Original Kunst, Berliner Morgenpost, June

  • W.L., Amerikanische Ansichten, Der Tagesspiegel, Berlin, June

  • Heyden, Susanne, Wielgestaltige Signale einer Grosstadt, Volksblatt Berlin, June

  • WISC-TV, Andre Ferrella Documentary, Mark Koehn producer

  • Artner, Alan, Andre Ferrella, Chicago Tribune, February

  • Lecturer and Presentations Chicago Cultural Center

  • Wisconsin Public Television, WHA, Prime Time Wisconsin-Andre Ferrella, Light Painter, January, 1989, Debra Mims producer, (shown through the 1989-1990 season)

  • WISC-TV, Andre Ferrella Documentary, Mark Koehn producer

 

1997

  • Artner, Alan, Photos Capture Richness of Sister Arts, Chicago Tribune, January

  • Hawkins, Margaret, Casting artists as Mystics is tricky, Chicago Sun Times, February
     

1996

  • Veranstaltungen, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Germany, October 14

  • Veranstaltungen, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Germany, October 21

  • Die "Schimmelbilder" entstehen bach Vergradben der Negative, Frankfurter Neue Presse, Germany, September 16

  • bab, Andre Ferrella - Wechselbader, Frankfurter Rundshau, Germany, October 21

  • Awarded by Eastman Kodak Corporation's WorldWide Marketing Professional & Printing Imaging Division                    

  • Awarded Project Grant for publication of a color catalogue in conjunction with the EMANATIONS Exhibition (Frankfurt)United States Information Service sponsorship for US Awarded Artist Abroad to represent the United States for the 50th anniversary of the Amerika Haus in Germany

  • Awarded Delta Airlines co-sponsorship for US Artist Abroad          
     

1995

  • Rhem, James, The Eyes have it, Andre Ferrella "paints" powerful photo imagery, Isthmus,

  • The Culture, City Notes, Madison, Wisconsin, November
           

1993

  • Luminations, The Mode Theater, Waterloo, Wisconsin

  • Lecturer and Presentation Chicago Cultural Center  
                

1990

  • Wieduwilt, Stefan, Original Kunst, Berliner Morgenpost, June

  • W.L., Amerikanische Ansichten, Der Tagesspiegel, Berlin, June

  • Heyden, Susanne, Wielgestaltige Signale einer Grosstadt, Volksblatt Berlin, June

  • Wisconsin Public Television, WHA, Prime Time Wisconsin-Andre Ferrella, LightPainter,

  • January, 1989, Debra Mims producer, (shown through the 1989-1990 season)

  • WISC-TV, Andre Ferrella Documentary, Mark Koehn producer

  • Artner, Alan, Andre Ferrella, Chicago Tribune, February
            

1988

  • Artner, Alan, Photos Capture Richness of Sister Arts, Chicago Tribune, January

  • Hawkins, Margaret, Casting artists as Mystics is tricky, Chicago Sun Times, February

 

1986

  • Toni Schlesinger, Andre Ferrella, Chicago Reader, February

  • Lecture and Presentation Madison Art Center
     

1985    

  • Phil Davis, Isthmus, Andre Ferrella, Madison, Wisconsin, November 1985
     

1983

  • Nelson, Boris, Artists Exhibition Opens Today, The Blade, Toledo, Ohio, June 5

  • 65th Annual Exhibition, Toledo Museum of Art-Second Place Award
     

1980

  • Welch Everman, Science Serves Artists Well, Wisconsin State Journal, August

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison, Adult Education, Beginning and Intermediate Photography
     

1978

  • National Invitational Drawing Exhibition, Indiana University
     

1977

  • Lakeview Center for the Arts and Sciences, Peoria, Illinois-Purchase Award

  • Sixteenth National Bradley Show, Bradley University, Illinois

  • Art on Art of Paper Art, Illinois State University

  • Works on Paper, Louisville, Kentucky
     

1976

  • Exhibit, Andre Ferrella, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio

  • Prospectus, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio

  • Artists of the Gallery, Images Gallery, Toledo, Ohio

  • Art in the Shade Gallery, Lansing, Michigan

  • Architectural Art, The National Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C.
     

1975

  • Andre Ferrella, Toledo Museum of Art School of Design, B.A. Exhibition

  • Exhibition Prospectus, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio

  • Exhibition Art on Art of Paper Art, Illinois State University

 

1974

  • Exhibition Art on Art of Paper Art, Illinois State University
     

1972

  • June Miller Show, Andre Ferrella, TV-3, Toledo, Ohio
     

1969​

  • Painted a portrait of The Baby Jesus and took painting seriously formulating my life's prayer..."God, bring through
    me whatever is necessary for us to see with the talents you have given me".

  The Rise of The Fallen  

Ferrella's deep commitment to and belief in the inter-connectedness of all is the driving force behind the creation of The Rise of The Fallen (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization).

 

This Spirit Box memorial for the U.S. military members who have fallen in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan is not only a commemoration of their service and sacrifice but is also meant to serve as a healing experience both for those who have lost loved ones and for the country as a whole.

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