Check Out Nathaniel Andrews’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathaniel Andrews.

Hi Nathaniel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to today?
I began my artistic journey by attending music festivals and local concerts, where I was exposed to art I’d never seen before. The freedom to express me without judgment has always been a factor for me in the community I’m a part of. I viewed myself as just an art fan, never an artist for a long time. Until my senior year of high school (2016), my favorite teacher organized a “Tie-dye Experiment,” which studied the chemical bonding of dyes with the fibers. Ever since then, I’ve been in love with tie-dye. After giving many shirts away to friends, family, and even strangers at festivals, I received a typical response: “Why don’t you sell these?” Which sparked my endeavor in making a tie-dye business, thus creating “Knotty Rainbows.”

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been easy, especially at the beginning. Tie-dye artists tend to be very secretive with most of their advanced techniques, making them difficult to learn and having little to no recognition in the “community” of artists, inhibiting what other creators are willing to share. Creating an audience for my artwork has proven difficult, especially with the shift from in-person sales, to purely online marketing during the height of covid. Also, finding consistent quality materials to work with has been a journey of its own. But we strive to push through any hardships we face!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Knotty Rainbows is my tie-dye project where I introduce color to fabrics that don’t have any yet. The most common tie-dye is pretty basic and can be done by anybody who wants to try it. I’m attempting to bring a gallery feel to this medium. The clothing I create takes many hours and extra attention to detail to create. I’m known for my advanced designs, mostly my mandalas and mushroom images. The time I spend on each piece and the amount of care, love, and joy I put into my work sets me apart.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The best way to work in a community is by being active and present within the scene. Make friends within the field you’re trying to be a part of, and stay active within social settings. I’ve used to boost myself by interacting with people I look up to, complementing other artists, recreating my favorite pieces, and asking how it’s done.

Contact Info:

• Email: knottyrainbows@gmail.com
• Website: Knotty-rainbows.myshopify.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knottyrainbows/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knottyrainbows/
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/366272174646154/?ref=share

Image Credits
Self Nathaniel Andrews