There is a rough, gritty strength found in the mixed media surfaces of Sandra Dawson's work that belies the gentle imagery of children, trees, sky, and birds. The imagery might reveal her love of nature, but it is the workman-like physicality of her paintings that carry her unique voice. Layering spackling compound, various paints, vigorous drawing, and and layers of collage, Dawson builds her paintings from the ground up. She renders her birds with a direct, detailed authority, poised on branches they have momentarily claimed. The viewer finds themself held in this moment, not only by the image of the bird, but by the palpable matrix of the sky and branch patterns where it rests. Says Dawson, "My work evolves from an observation of our natural world, our social circles and our internal psyche. In my work I weave images from past cultures, myths and folklore along with symbolic elements of modern life. I paint intuitively and playfully employing various mediums along the way. I consider my work an observation, meditation and celebration of life."
|
Firebird, oil on panel, 8x8
Ascent, oil and mixed media on panel, 12x24
The Way, oil and mixed media on panel, 16x16
Day Dream, oil and mixed media on panel, 18x18
Speak, oil and mixed media on panel, 18x18
Speak, oil and mixed media on panel, 18x18
Do You See What I See?, oil and mixed media on panel, 14x12
5 Minutes, oil and mixed media on panel, 16x12
Her Advice, oil and mixed media on panel, 20x16
The Gift, oil and mixed media on panel, 20x16
Take the Night, oil and mixed media on panel, 24x18
Windsong, oil and mixed media on panel, 24x18
Free Bird, oil and mixed media on panel, 18x20
Unbroken, oil and mixed media on panel, 24x30
Upon a Time, oil and mixed media on panel, 24x14
Balance, oil and mixed media on panel, 36x32
Balance, oil and mixed media on panel, 43x43
Portraits
Grace, oil and mixed media on panel, 12x12
Dawn, oil and mixed media on panel, 12x12
Charlie, oil and mixed media on panel, 12x12