About the Artist:
Nikki Sandschaper creates art inspired by nature, a devotion that stems from a childhood of exploring the wilderness and watching wildlife. Nikki received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History from the University of Oklahoma in 2004. Soon after, she discovered her love of teaching in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and pursued a career as an Art Educator. In 2013, she completed a Master of Arts in Art & Design at the University of Northern Colorado where she focused on Art Education. Nikki taught for over a decade in Denver, Colorado, USA before entering the sphere of international education; first in Korea and now in Guatemala where she lives with her family and maintains a home studio.
Artist Statement:
The natural world is a reoccurring theme in my work. My most recent paintings are ethereal explorations between the natural world and the human experience. I begin each painting by reflecting on ways the natural world has helped to clarify my own understandings and perceptions. Working from memory and photographs, carefully rendered figures melt into abstracted backgrounds, conveying the fleeting quality of a glimpse while metallic gold hues and saturated colors elevate natural objects to sacred subjects. Through metaphorical interpretations of the natural world, we are capable of a deeper understanding of our humanity.
