Michael Andrae
Following a successful career in marketing, Michael could always be found 'chipping away' in his studio. He spent many happy years in Competa, a Spanish town celebrated for its art scene, before taking up residence on the Hampshire coast. Aged 84, he discovered Instagram as a new way of exhibiting his work, building wonderful rapports with many fellow sculptors around the world. Michael passed away in 2025, but his character lives on through his sculptures.
His sculptures in his own words: "covering a wide range of subject matters, where line, texture and simplicity of form are important. Direct stone carving using traditional tools of mallet and chisel has been a feature over the last few years. Working in a variety of locally sourced materials, including reclaimed scraps from industrial processes; thereby recycling a natural material, into a tactile and hopefully pleasing piece of sculpture."
Michael's Creative Process
Studio Ramblings
No. 1
A piece of old Portland off a bridge that's no more, now lies expectantly on the studio floor. (A piece of stone however worn deserves the chance to be reborn).
No. 2
An aching back, stiff wrist, sore shoulder
Signs this sculptors getting older
Still today's gone well, I have to say,
It will be tomorrow that I'll pay.
No. 3
'Listen to your stone'.
Tap it once and it should ring,
tap it twice and hear it sing.
If that telling sound can not be caught,
your stone, I fear, may have a fault.
So best discard and choose again,
and save yourself from later pain.
No. 4
There's bits on the floor and bits in your hair
The mallet's got heavy and the chisel less sharp
The birds are now silent and gone on their way
So it's off with the lights and I'll call it a day
No. 5
Sometimes Looking is not the same as seeing.
Sometimes Hearing is not the same as listening.
Sometimes Speaking is not the same as talking.
'Chipping Away'
