Andres Bella is an artist and tennis player who has combined the two into one…
What is your background in tennis?
Andres Bella: I started playing tennis at the age of 4 at the parks in Queens, NY. Moved to CT at age 8 and played 1 singles at St. Joseph high school in Trumbull, CT. Went on to play tennis at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT starting at 6 singles and worked my way up to the 1 and 2 spots. Named Captain and MVP my senior year and achieved a record of 127 wins throughout my career. From there I played on a few 5.0 teams and obtained a USPTA certification. I still play today, although mostly recreationally and to stay in shape.
What inspired you to create this work?
Andres Bella: I like painting but didn’t want to limit my art to just paint. I really wanted to do a piece implementing tennis material and chose Nadal and Federer because they are the greatest players in todays game. I had the materials I needed and the first one I did of these is the Nadal piece on canvas. I knew I wanted to use the strings for sure to create his image, but the other tennis materials used on that that piece came to me as I was creating it. From there the ideas just started flowing. As for the “High Strung” works, I wanted to take tennis to an abstract form and capture the pressure of this competitive sport.
Where have you showcased it and what has been the general response?
Andres Bella: I showcased my art at a gallery in Nashville, TN. The overall response was very positive and it was interesting to watch the reactions when they realized it was comprised of recycled tennis material. Folks seemed to really take to the Roger Federer racquet mounted on canvas. They seemed to enjoy the title of the piece too “Who Framed Roger Federer”.
What are some of your favorite creations?
Andres Bella: My favorite piece I’ve done so far is the Roger Federer racquet mounted on canvas because it captures his greatness and legacy at Wimbledon. It’s comprised of recycled tennis strings, oil paint, and the Wilson BLX 90 model racquet customized to his specs down to the string saver placement. Also, when lit properly, it projects a great shadow of his face onto the canvas. I think for these reasons and how it all came together is why it’s my favorite. I’m currently working on a Mardy Fish piece in the same style which is coming together nicely.
What are some of your dream projects for future?
Andres Bella: I want to continue the theme of the racquet mounted on canvas of all the tennis greats past and present and to use the actual racquet they played with in the art. I always envision having them in a gallery all lined up one after another. That would look so cool, I think anyway.
Who are your favorite artists and why?
Andres Bella: My favorite artist is Jean-Michel Basquiat. His art was from the gut and had no boundaries. I enjoy works from many other artists such as Warhol & Pollock, but Basquiat is my favorite.
Who is your pick to win this US Open, why?
Andres Bella: Roger Federer. Rafa’s game is not at 100% so he may not even make the semifinals. Djokovic will have a tough time with the support Roger will get from the NYC crowd. And he’s due!!
In 2016 who do you think will be ATP #1?
Andres Bella: Milos Raonic.
Andres Bella’s web site is www. andresbellaart.com
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Thomas Tung · August 29, 2011 at 2:01 pm
It was a pleasure meeting up with Andres during the US Open qualies. We got to see a bit of the De Voest-Williams match before heading over to the Blake Strode one. Seems that Rhyne Williams was a teammate of Tennys Sandgren on the Tennessee team; at least, that might explain why Tennys and his coach were watching the match. Rhyne made it to the finals of the NCAA singles tournament in May of this year, losing to Steve Johnson.
Dan Markowitz · August 29, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Thanks for posting this, Scoop. It’s brilliant stuff. With this the guy sitting in the bleachers near us watching Klahn-Sandgren?
Scoop Malinowski · August 29, 2011 at 10:49 pm
Yes Dan, he is friends with Thomas Tung.
Andres Bella · August 31, 2011 at 12:29 am
Scoop, enjoyed talking with you last week and thanks for the write up. Thomas, it was fun watching the matches. Dan, thanks for the comment. It was nice meeting you…although brief. Looking forward to a great Open!
Scoop Malinowski · August 31, 2011 at 2:03 am
Keep in touch Andres, you’re now part of the Tennis-prose.com.
Mike · August 13, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Wow, nice works, please contact me through http://www.ultimatetennisart.com Thank you!