Andy McConnell, raised in the Pacific Northwest, has spent most of his career in construction while working part-time in restaurants during college, which sparked his curiosity about human connections. He earned a master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Bastyr University. His art has evolved from his construction experience, transforming carpentry tasks into creative expressions. He often salvages materials like wood, finding pieces from dumpsters or friends’ tree removals. Rare finds, like cedar burls, hold special significance to him. Creating his pieces is a labor-intensive process filled with noise and dust, but his love for art and the Pacific Northwest remains strong. His work is primarily abstract, exploring identity, balance, and difference. Craftsmanship, honed through years as a carpenter, is central to his creations.