Andrea Merciar is an artist whose work captures the essence of layering, both literally and metaphorically. From her roots in Liverpool to her fine art education at institutions like Leeds and Wimbledon School of Art, Merciar’s creative journey has been defined by an interplay of mediums, textures, and a deep exploration of space. Her work is a testament to the complexities of modern life—an ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation, between drawing and digital media.
Born in Liverpool, Andrea Merciar’s path into the world of art has been shaped by a combination of formal training and unique life experiences. After completing her BA in Graphic Design (specialising in Printmaking) at Leeds, she pursued a Master’s in Fine Art Printmaking at Wimbledon School of Art in London. These academic foundations set the stage for her exploration of various artistic techniques, from traditional printmaking to contemporary digital interventions.
But Merciar’s journey wasn’t solely confined to the studio. She held various day jobs at institutions like the British Museum, the British Library, and the Royal Academy of Arts. Although these roles were unrelated to her artistic practice, they provided her with exposure to an eclectic range of ideas, historical contexts, and cultural artifacts. “They helped sustain me and gave me inspiration,” she reflects. In many ways, these jobs allowed Merciar to stay connected to the pulse of the art world while nourishing her creative sensibilities.
Drawing and intaglio printmaking serve as the core of Andrea Merciar’s practice. She gravitates towards methods that allow her to manipulate light, texture, and form. Her prints are often intricately layered, rich with detail, and dynamic in their depth. Printmaking, particularly intaglio, offers her a tactile connection to the materials, something she relishes in her otherwise digitally-driven work.
Through the years, Andrea’s intaglio work has expanded beyond its traditional boundaries. She enjoys the challenge of pushing her printmaking skills into new territories, combining old-school techniques with new technologies. One example of this hybrid approach can be seen in her series “Portal 4361,” a fine art print measuring 80cm x 120cm. In this work, she merges traditional printmaking methods with digital innovation, showcasing her mastery over both. Here, the hand-drawn and hand-painted details are merged seamlessly with photographic elements, creating a composition that feels both grounded and ethereal.
The unique beauty of Andrea’s work lies in her ability to blend the tactile qualities of traditional printmaking with the precision and freedom of digital tools. One of her standout techniques is the use of a Wacom board and digital pen, which allows her to infuse her works with finely-detailed, hand-drawn elements while still engaging with photographic imagery. It’s a process of blending two worlds—one physical and one virtual—into a single, harmonious composition.
In her “Lava Doughnut” series, for example, she takes a concept as simple as a doughnut shape and pushes it into realms of complexity and texture. The vivid, supersaturated colors bring new life to the form, while bas-relief elements add a tactile, three-dimensional quality to the work. These works not only command attention visually but invite the viewer to explore their surfaces, as the light and texture shift in response to movement and angle.
Merciar’s approach to color is equally noteworthy. She doesn’t shy away from bold, almost psychedelic color choices. The saturation is often intense, creating a surreal, dreamlike quality to the works. Yet, it’s never excessive. The color serves to amplify the textures, shadows, and layers that dominate the composition, creating a delicate balance between chaos and order. Whether it’s a portal-like structure or a translucent doughnut, the colors seem to flow in a way that feels organic, almost as if they have a life of their own.
Andrea’s artistic reach has extended far beyond local galleries. Her work has found its way into the collections of corporate clients, including prominent law firms, and has been exhibited internationally. One notable exhibition took place in Brussels, at a gallery located directly opposite the Palais de Justice. In London, she has exhibited at venues like the Guildhall Art Gallery, situated in the heart of the City.
Andrea Merciar’s work is a deep, nuanced reflection of her experiences—both as an artist and as an individual navigating the world. Whether through the precise lines of intaglio printmaking or the vivid expanses of digital manipulation, her art speaks to an ongoing exploration of space, texture, and form. It’s not just about creating images, but about constructing portals to other worlds—worlds that invite the viewer to look closer, delve deeper, and uncover hidden layers of meaning.
Her pieces invite the viewer to engage with texture, light, and color in new and exciting ways. Through her distinctive use of materials and mediums, she creates works that are not just seen, but felt.
