The artist discovered her own creativity through the family – www.elizabethton.com

By Angela Cutrer

Special to Elizabethton Star

Greg Andrews of Hampton knows all about creativity, sacrifice and love. It filled his life.

And Andrews wants to talk about everything else in his family-anyone but himself. He said he was not sure why someone wanted to talk to him about his artwork.

After all, his wife has real talent in relationships, he will tell you.

But Greg Andrews doesn’t give himself enough credit.

Andrews was a Veterans Administration nurse for 12 years, but she had to retire four years ago due to several back issues that put her in the hospital for multiple surgeries.

His wife Kristal is a medical assistant. “He’s creative,” Andrews said. “He makes T-shirt quilts, he draws, he bakes, he even draws a logo for our band.”

Yeah, right – Andrews is in the band too. But we will wait for that later.

Andrews started his artistic career when someone saw several posts on social media that included woodworking. “They saw this guy making some floating shelves – you know what I mean?” he said. “And someone told me about them. And then, I saw that this guy made American flags, and they were beautiful.

Someone told Andrews he should do that.

So, he did.

Much of his work involves concealment tables, tabletops and shelving that open only via fingerprint locks. Most have the American flag engraved as artwork. Andrews carved stars into them and then used woodburning or traditional red, white and blue paint.

Either way, the work is superb with its patriotic focus and professional workmanship. The colors are deep and indestructible, the corners are mitered and true.

However, Andrews is not set in his ways. “Once, I made a Harley-Davidson emblem on one, and it was so beautiful,” he said, adding that he was open to anything a customer might ask for. He has already made his wife a cedar chest, a customer a hanging concealment shelf and another concealment coffee table.

But that was not all he could build. The first – and until now, the only – coffin he made was because his father -in -law insisted. It hurts Andrews to talk about it.

“He once asked me about it, and I said‘ uhhh ’and that’s it,” Andrews said. “Then one day he appeared with a large load of cedar, and, well, that was it. So I built it. She’s very happy about it, so it’s good. ”

Unfortunately, her father -in -law is in hospice now, Andrews said sadly. But he was glad he could do that for the gentleman, even if it was a unique request that caused feelings best kept quiet.

Kristal Andrews once created TicTok to show the world what her husband can do, and it generated a lot of interest. But now, in the way the country is suffering, “I don’t think anyone has the money to buy these things right now,” Andrews said.

But the band is still there.

Called Generation Gap (Kristal also made that creative name), it involves the Andrews ’son Jared, 23, on lead guitar and vocals, and Josh Grape, on bass and lead vocals. Greg Andrews added guitar rhythm and vocals to the mix.

“We play classic rock, old and new country and the blues,” Andrews said. “We played at the local Moose Club in Johnson City and at Jiggy Rays Pizza in Elizabethton. We will definitely enjoy it. ”

Andrews said he’s been playing for a long time – it’s something he can do with his son. “Someday, hopefully another of our children, Bryceon, 21, will be able to play with us,” Andrews said. “And yes, my wife came up with that spelling. But it would be nice if they both played with me. ”

And there’s another son in the mix – the youngest son, Chayse, 18. And he’s talented, too.

“He’s known as a local legend,” Andrews said with a big laugh. “She is good at karaoke. When we drive and people see Chayse coming, they’ll shout his name and wave. “

And Chayse gave them a big smile back.

One song Chayse wanted to sing was “Won’t Back Down,” first popularized by rocker Tom Petty, who wrote the song with partner Jeff Lynne.

These words from the song seem to fit Chayse’s situation:

“Well I know what is right, I got just one life

the world keeps pushing me

but I will stand, and I will not back down ”

Chayse lives with a rare leukodystrophy called Alexander’s Disease. It’s a bit like ALS. “Right now, there is no cure and no treatment available,” his father said. “He was diagnosed at the age of 12 and he is now 18. He recently graduated from high school and insisted that he cross the stage with his other classmates.

“He is a local celebrity and karaoke king. But he was more than that. He was an inspiration and hero to all who knew him. People seem to be attracted to him and love him right away.

“She is truly a gift and we are all better off for being a part of her life.”

Greg Andrews seems to enjoy his life and the creative people he calls his family. Whatever life throws at them, they will not retreat.

They didn’t have to – they got each other.

Anyone interested in Andrews making a specially made, one-of-a-kind item can find him on Facebook. His products are priced in the $ 75 to $ 400 range, but it really comes down to what the customer and Andrews decide together on the product.