Background

Andra is a graphic designer trained in Japanese printmaking. She is inspired by the Ukiyo-e style, known for its delicate lines, vibrant colors, and focus on the beauty of nature, landscapes, and traditional culture.

Her early work involved mastering the intricate art of hand-printing on silk, known for its luxurious texture and ability to hold rich pigments. Silk printing allowed Andra to create elegant compositions celebrating the interplay between nature and the human spirit. She draws inspiration from elements like cherry blossoms, koi fish, and serene mountain landscapes.

Over time, Andra’s creative journey evolved to embrace digital design. This transition was sparked by her desire to blend the precision and expressive qualities of traditional Japanese art with the versatility and modernity of digital tools.

Andra now combines hand-drawn elements and digital techniques. Using software to create intricate patterns and motifs that maintain the timeless beauty of her earlier silk prints, Andra explores new possibilities in digital textures, layering, and dynamic compositions.

Her current work embodies a fusion of the old and the new—merging the meticulous craftsmanship of Japanese printmaking with the limitless potential of digital media. This allows her to create artworks that feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking, appealing to a global audience who appreciate the depth and narrative of traditional aesthetics as well as the freshness of modern design.

The shift into digital has also opened new avenues for Andra to expand her reach, offering prints, digital artworks, and textile designs to a broader audience while maintaining the essence of her earlier style.

A Chance Meeting

A busy cafe. One spare seat at a table for two. Andra could see the other woman was tall. Her long, perfect legs stretched under the chair opposite her. She smiled at Andra, shifted her feet out of the way, and waved Andra over to the spare chair. Andra accepted the unexpected offer. The cafe was all but full, and she didn’t have time to wait for another table. “Thank you. I’m Andra,” she said as she slid into the empty chair. “You’re very welcome, Andra. My name is Lily.”

Andra has fond memories of her chance meeting with Lily. It was a life-changing moment for both. Lily has a knack for encouraging people to follow their instinct, their heart, and helps them develop and direct their talents. She’s generous with her time and her money for people with the will and the self-discipline to succeed.

Andra, making up for lost time after too many years in an abusive relationship, took the opportunity Lily gave her and ran with it. Andra’s love of all things Japanese and her newly gained graphic design skills resulted in a line of silk fabrics now popular with haute couture fashion houses. Lily’s investment provided a great return, and Andra found herself in the fortunate position of being paid to do what she loved.

Just Call Me “Jack”

Andra’s design business continued to grow. She needed an architect to plan the conversion of an old stone church she’d bought into a modern design studio. Edward Hawkins won the brief, then set about winning Andra with humour, honesty, patience, and a good deal of warm-hearted romantic panache.

For Andra, it was lust at first sight. Love came later when she learned enough about Jack to trust him. He made her laugh, but he also made her feel safe. He was a good man and brilliant company. Andra missed him whenever they were apart. Having decided, Andra proposed to Jack.

To her great delight, he said yes.