Horses, hope and an inspirational story embody the art of Andy Mast
By Dave Mast
February 15, 2016
1098
Horses and Holmes County go hand-in-hand, so when national artist Andy Mast of Illinois began creating original hand-drawn pieces of art featuring horses, it only seemed appropriate that a man from Holmes County would be a part of promoting this wonderful artist with a truly genuine, inspiring story of harmony and peace.
On Feb. 19 at the Mt. Hope Auction barn, at 8 p.m., Masts original pencil drawing Dream Team, which features a team of horses working the field, will be up for auction. The drawing will be auctioned off as part of the ongoing Air Works Consignment Auction in the Mt. Hope Auction barn, and life-long Holmes Countian Atlee Raber has taken on the task of promoting Masts incredible works. Raber noted that while bidders may show up in person to bid on an original, they can also bid online at AuctionZip.com, with ID number 40052.
Raber said once people see some of Masts artwork, they too will be drawn to his attention to detail, as he uses graphite to create art that is so rich in detail that it almost looks like a black-and-white photograph.
I met Andy in Colorado last year, and he was such an immense talent, and so passionate about his work, but he didnt have anyone marketing his art, said Raber, who has taken over promoting Masts incredible drawings.
I was so impressed with his talent, but at the same time, I was drawn to his passion and his story. He has an amazing life story to tell because of his injury, and how he used his art to recover hope and strength. He goes well beyond the pictures in telling an amazing story behind the art.
Mast certainly has a leg up in connecting with the Holmes County community, and not just because of his name. His passion and connection with farming and horses in particular will resonate with local Holmes Countians.
Mast grew up on an Amish farm in southern Illinois and worked with horses for many years. He said that is why horses have such a fond place in his heart. Mast noted that the power and beauty of a team of horses working together in harmony is an inspirational tool in his artwork. But while his brothers were working the horses, he preferred picking up a pencil and paper and drawing them.
While his talents grew, his story took a sharp U-turn when at the age of 19, he was found unconscious in the field by his father. He had led a horse to pasture, and not even Mast knows exactly what happened, but he was life flighted to St. Louis with a major head injury. It would be 48 hours later that Mast would awaken, and since then he has battled with his physical health, including two surgeries. Since the accident, Mast has had to work hard in retraining himself as an artist. While he struggles with memory issues, it hasnt stopped him from pursuing his passion.
Mast said he believes God spared his life for a purpose, and sharing his gift and promoting unity, love and strength in life are part of that calling.
On Friday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m., whether in person or via online bidding, local patrons of the arts, and lovers of all things equine, will have a golden opportunity to purchase Masts original piece Dream Team.
Its a rare opportunity to purchase something this beautiful and meaningful, Raber said. My hope is that people will begin to love and appreciate everything this young man has gone through and the incredible gift he has developed in his art.
