Andreas Maier

Gilder

Germany's golden boy

Andreas' background is in veterinary medicine
He paints furniture, screens and artworks
He taught himself the technique of painting with gold leaf

With a PhD in veterinary medicine and as a former researcher at the Federal Institute for Veterinary Medicine in Berlin, Andreas Maier has quite an unusual background for a painter. But his knowledge of anatomy and the close eye for detail he developed in his previous profession might be an explanation for the almost alive appearance of the koi carp and bugs in his paintings. “I have always admired large animals and their movements, only later did I notice the beauty and colourful nature of insects and other small animals,” he says. Transferring his scientific mindset to art, he began to experiment with different techniques and materials. “I had to teach myself, but I wanted to be autonomous and to have the freedom to combine different shapes and colours to capture movements in the right way.”

Interview

Can you explain what the gold is in your work?: The technique of applying gold leaf is a traditional craft originating from France. Normally it is used to quickly cover large areas with a thin layer of gold. However, I do not use it as a finish but as a foundation for my work, as a setting and frame for the fishes, insects and other living creatures.
What made you aware of this craft?: It was the furnishings in affluent French households. The luminosity of big screens, as well as the decorative gildings and murals in these large houses left a lasting impression on me.
Why do you frequently use folding screens as your canvas?: They create a certain intimacy with the observer as they structure spaces. They are like small stages which I can utilise to bring nature inside.
Are you concerned that your craft might vanish?: I don't think it is helpful to talk about whether a craft might vanish or not. The best thing we can do is to show our works, put them out in the world and make them seen and admired. This is the only way we can ensure that a craft will remain relevant and therefore persist.

Andreas Maier is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2000