Thoughts Swirling Painting

Andy Trautwein is a self-taught artist specializing in Abstract Expressionism and other forms of Modern Art. His inspiration comes through the symbolic representation of mental health, human emotions, and the complicated, beautiful, and scary experiences the mind presents. He graduated from Lutheran High School St. Charles, where he put a strong emphasis on art taking all the relative classes awarded to him, such as painting, drawing, ceramics, and art history. While school was a relatively comfortable experience, grades were not his strong suit. While he maintained good grades, most of his interest came from art. As the years went on, he was tired of competing with corporate America. No matter how much money was given to a job, it never was worth the excessive amount of hours away from his family. Trautwein spent countless hours away from home, yet paying bills was still a struggle. It always felt that society's working-class structure was set up against him. In 2022 Andy decided he’d rather be broke spending more time with his kids than to be broke and away from home. He asked himself how much of the hours spent away from home would matter when he looked back and questioned how he raised his kids and how they’ll see him as a father. These thoughts led him back to art. The chance to do something he loves provides life's purpose and meaning. The only question left is if it can provide an income.