use our website or social media to discover the 'artscape' that is salt spring island

Andrea Russell

biography

Andrea Russell lives and works on Salt Spring Island as a silversmith and leather mask maker. Her work is often directly inspired by the spectacular natural surroundings just outside her door. When it gets too cold for creativity in Canada, she can be found in the jungle on the northernmost Thai -Burmese border, organizing and performing in SPARK! CIRCUS , a volunteer based fire circus program for refugee and migrant children. Andrea also creates professional costuming for performance.

She designs many pieces, both in jewellery and mask making, that involve interaction or play, and enjoys transforming passive viewers / wearers into active participants. She does custom orders in all mediums and is happy to work in gold or platinum.

Andrea is an enthusiastic teacher, conducting classes in leather mask making as well as silversmithing. 

where to see or read more

shows: Her work is available on Salt Spring at Gallery 8, visit the website here.
                  Also available at the Waterfront Gallery in Ganges, SSI.
                  Andrea's work can be seen in fine galleries across Canada. The Guild Shop in Toronto, the VAG Store, Crafthouse in Vancouver and the Avenue Gallery in Victoria.

web:  Visit MuseMasks, Andrea's leather masks and accessories website.
             SPARK! CIRCUS has a website, look here to learn more.

contact the artist

address: RR2 S48 C29, Galiano Island, BC V0N 1P0
email: thaifirefly@gmail.com

artist statement


I am interested in creating art that lifts the heart, sparks the imagination and stimulates the spirit. Curiosity is my primary motivating force. 

I design many pieces that involve interaction or play, and enjoy transforming passive viewers/wearers into active participants. Current work is centred on the exploration of organic form with a strong textural emphasis. 

Inspiration is drawn from patterns and stories suggested by unusual objects found, literally, at my feet. 


Andrea Russell - jewellery and mask maker