Interview with Artist Sandra Duran Wilson

13 February 2018

We are delighted to share our recent interview with artist Sandra Duran Wilson, from Santa Fe, NM US.

Please describe your artwork style

My work is influenced by science and synesthesia. When I listen to music I see colours and numbers have sounds. I paint in vibrant colours and my style of painting is influenced by the Abstract Impressionists.

What’s your background?

I grew up in a family of artists and scientists and the two were always blended in my mind. I would look into my father’s microscope and paint what I saw. I was traditionally trained as a realistic oil painter from the age of 6 until my teens. I then went into painting murals, stone-cutting, jewellery and sculpture. In art school I studied printmaking and I have a degree in cognitive science.

How long have you been an artist?

I have been an artist in one form or another all my life and I have made my living as an artist during that time.

Who or what are your biggest influences?

Rauschenberg and Kandinsky are two of the painters that have influenced my painting and Larry Bell has influenced my sculpture. F David Peat and Richard Feynman have been great influences on the scientific concepts that I paint.

How have you developed your career?

I have exhibited my work commercially in galleries for decades and I have written six books on art techniques. I have taught workshops, juried exhibitions and helped found art groups. I find that collaboration is essential in developing ones’ career.

Which current art world trends are you following?

I love the development of digital and video art. I am working on incorporating sound to create music based on my paintings. Because of the synesthesia I can create to music. Now I wish to create music from the paintings. I am using digital sound sampling and synthesizers to work on this project.

Where do you create your work? 

I have a studio on my land in Santa Fe, NM.

What do you feel is the role of the artist in society? 

The artist keeps humanity honest. I feel that artists can provide direct feedback in social and political discourse and I have no fear of creating objects of beauty.

What techniques / mediums do you use? 

I am an acrylic artist in both painting and sculpture. My printmaking is mixed media.

Which is more important to you, the subject of your painting, or the way it is executed? 

For me they are so interconnected. Since writing the books on art techniques, I find that a process may lead me to a subject. I do paint concepts, usually ones based in theoretical physics.

How do you feel when you are letting your emotions loose on the canvas?

Absolute freedom and joy. I transcend time.

What project are you working on now?

I am finishing some videos and creating some new acrylic, resin and steel sculptures.

Any current or up-coming exhibitions?

I just finished a solo exhibition in Australia and I have an annual show that happens in Santa FE, NM in July called the Contemporary Hispanic Market.

Where do you find your ideas for your work?

I am influenced by concepts, colours and sounds. Also, I explore new wilderness areas.

Is there an artwork you are most proud of?Why?

I do have a painting that was commissioned by the Convention Centre of Santa Fe and they sent the decorator to design the furniture and accessories to go with the painting. I also have an image of one of my galaxy paintings that is aboard a space ship heading for the asteroid Bennu

How do you know when a work is finished?

When it whispers to my soul that it is ready to fly away.

What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?

I use tools that I have made for pulling and dragging the paint.

Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why?

I love working with cast acrylic.

You can see more of Sandra's work here: www.SandraDuranWilson.com

You can contact her here: [email protected]

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