Artist Bio

Andrew Godwin (b. 1983, Knoxville, TN, USA) uses drawing and painting to explore the connections that exist between all things. His current body of work balances realism and ambiguity so that multiple subjects (a pinecone, a galaxy, a microbe, a landscape) are read simultaneously, as relatives.  

This philosophical approach to the physical world connects him to other searchers devoted to deeply personal readings of their environments, from the forest meditations of Thomas Nozkowski to the quotidian revelations of Catherine Murphy.

His creative practice is heavily influenced by his running practice, a meditative endeavor including trail runs over thirty miles that allow both immersion in isolated places and a mental and emotional transformation that opens physical experience to metaphysical meaning.

Godwin presented a solo show entitled “Second Nature” at The Tomato Head in Knoxville (November-December 2023) and has also participated in group shows with RED Gallery, The Arts and Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville, The American Institute of Architects, and A1LabArts.

He and his partner Susanne Tarovella are the principal architects of Sparkman & Associates Architects, Inc. in Knoxville, TN, where he also taught drawing and design studios at the University of Tennessee from 2005-2019.

Education

2007 - Bachelor of Architecture Cum Laude, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

2006 - The Necessity for Drawing, study abroad to Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Liechtenstein, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Solo Exhibitions

2023 - Second Nature, The Tomato Head, Knoxville, TN (two locations)

Group Exhibitions

2024 - Arts in the Airport, McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville, TN

2023 - Art Salon, RED Gallery, Knoxville, TN

2023 - National Juried Exhibition, Emporium Arts Center, Knoxville, TN

2022 - Art Salon, Emporium Arts Center, Knoxville, TN

2022 - Wild Life, Broadway Studios and Gallery, Knoxville, TN

2022 - National Juried Exhibition, Emporium Arts Center, Knoxville, TN

2021 - Art Salon, Jackson Terminal, Knoxville, TN

2021 - GRIT, Emporium Arts Center, Knoxville, TN

2020 - 50 Year Gala, East Tennessee Community Design Center, Knoxville, TN

Awards

2022 - Honorable Mention for Chit-Chat #1 at Wild Life curated by A1 Lab Arts, Knoxville, TN

2022 - Best Work by an Alliance Member for A Home to Meet Our Needs at National Juried Exhibition curated by Arts and Culture Alliance, Knoxville, TN

2021 - Honorable Mention for Migration at GRIT curated by A1 Lab Arts, Knoxville, TN

Press

2022 - New Exhibitions Opening, featuring Gratitude, Everything Knoxville Magazine, October 2022

Exhibitions and Awards in Architecture

2014 - Merit Awards for Professional Excellence (two), East Tennessee American Institute of Architects

2014 - Finalist, NextGen Housing Competition, green|spaces, Chattanooga, TN

2014 - Green Project Award, United States Green Building Council, Knoxville, TN

2014 - Orchid Award, Keep Knoxville Beautiful, Knoxville, TN

2007 - Finalist, Tau Sigma Delta Bronze Medal, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

2007 - National Convention Exhibition, American Institute of Architects, San Antonio, TX

2007 - Art and Architecture Honors Exhibition, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

2007 - Schweizer Reise: Tour of Switzerland, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

2006 - The General Shale Scholarship

2005 - Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

2005 - Award of Excellence for Design in Fourth Year Studio, American Institute of Architects, Knoxville

2005 - The Bullock, Smith & Partners Scholarship for International Travel

2005 - The University of Tennessee School of Architecture Scholarship

2005 - The University of Tennessee Trustee’s Scholarship

2004 - The Hubert Bebb Scholarship

2003 - Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Teaching Experience

2011-2019 - Lecturer, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

-First year undergraduate design studio (spring 2019)

-Third year undergraduate design studio (spring 2018)

-Introduction to the Built Environment (summer 2015)

-Fifth year undergraduate and graduate design studio (fall 2014, fall 2015)

-Third year undergraduate design studio (fall 2013)

-Second year undergraduate design studio (fall 2011, fall 2012, spring 2013)

2005-2017 - Teaching Assistant, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

-Representation II: Drawing and Intention (spring 2005, spring 2007)

-Representation I: Drawing and Perception (fall 2006)

-Representation III: Digital Media (fall 2005)