ARTIST

Sandra L. Benson

Artist's Statement

“Preferences for Sandra fully support being perceptually, subconsciously and consciously aware of fantasy, symbols, symbolic relationships, abstract ideas, options and choice of options as they relate to creative or innovative activities. Perception triggers ideas in Sandra’s mind, a process that just happens - a process often called intuition. It is not a conscious effort to logically ‘come up with’ creative ideas; instead, the process is best identified with the statement that ‘a thought struck me.’ A quote by Carl Jung probably makes complete sense to Sandra: ‘Art is innate in the artist, like an instinct that seizes and makes a tool out of the human being. The thing in the final analysis that wills something in him is not he, the personal man, but the aim of the art.’

—IAN, Int'l Assessment Network and MAPP 2004

I find it extremely difficult to summarize my work, but one of the best statements, that I have heard, besides the above statement written specifically about my work, comes from Max Gail, the actor, poet and artist, who brilliantly played the dull-witted Wojciehowicz in the Barney Miller television show. Max, whom I count as a thoughtful and considerate friend says, “Your works comes from and connects with inner and outer, individual and collective realms at levels beyond words...”

This statement fully summarizes my intent for my art. I use no models in my work and I am interested in reflecting only what comes to my conscious mind from my imagination. This is “keeping it real” for me. My life experiences are reflected through my imagination. So for the past 15 years, I’ve painted only what appears first as a completed picture in my mind to paint. Then if I have to occasionally use a reference point, it is only to support what I am inspired to create.

The power of translating images from one’s mind to share with the audience fascinates me. I strive to connect with the audience at a deeper, spiritual level. Experiences, while unique, are universal to the human family. Many people can also relate to my experiences, but no one can create the exact way I do, in my own unique and personalized way of painting.