We were lucky to catch up with Theda Sandiford recently and have shared our conversation below.

Theda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me happened in January 1999. My condo building burned down during an ice storm. Although the fire didn’t originate in my unit, I lost nearly everything and didn’t have replacement insurance. It was one of the lowest moments in my life. When my former boss heard what had happened, he did something extraordinary: he gave me a blank check and told me to write in whatever amount I needed to get back on my feet. I was deeply moved by his generosity and the belief he had in me during such a difficult time.

To this day, I’ve never cashed that check—it’s still in my jewelry box as a reminder of his kindness. Just knowing that someone cared enough to support me without hesitation at such a vulnerable moment was, and still is, the greatest gift I’ve ever received. It showed me the true depth of human compassion.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an artist, folklorist, and creative explorer whose work weaves together memory, identity, and healing. My journey began with a deep curiosity about how art can serve as a bridge between personal experiences and collective healing. Over the years, my practice has evolved into a vibrant intersection of visual storytelling, community engagement, and cultural commentary. I create collaborative, thought-provoking artworks that spark conversations about identity, mental health, and social justice while fostering spaces for reflection and connection.

One of my signature series, I Am My Hair, delves into a deeply personal experience of having one’s hair constantly touched without permission. This body of work invites viewers to engage with the complex relationships we have with our hair—how it’s perceived and politicized—while also encouraging them to reflect on respect for personal agency. By placing these narratives into visually enticing loc sculptures in a white box gallery, this series reminds the viewer to look without touching.

My Free Your Mind project emerged as a response to microaggressions and the heavy burden of implicit bias. This collaborative effort bridges art and storytelling to create spaces where people can share their vulnerabilities without fear. This project fosters communal healing and uplifts voices that often go unheard. It’s not just about the art; it’s about the transformative process of releasing emotional weight and finding collective strength.

Then there’s the Emotional Baggage Cart Parade, which transforms abandoned shopping carts and emotional burdens into joyful, cathartic mobile artworks. This series invites individuals to reclaim their stories and turn past pain into something celebratory. Whether it’s leaving behind a physical object imbued with personal meaning or a symbolic gesture of release, this work highlights the power of art to heal and transform.

What sets my work apart is the way it invites others to join in the creative process. Collaboration is at the heart of what I do—I believe art is not only for reflection but also for building community and fostering healing. By integrating found materials, shared stories, and participatory elements, my work serves as a catalyst for connection and transformation.

I am most proud of how these projects have allowed me to create spaces of healing, empowerment, and dialogue. I want people to know that my work is about more than aesthetics—it’s about witnessing, honoring, and reclaiming the unseen threads that connect us all. Whether you’re engaging with my art, participating in a workshop, or simply reflecting on your own journey, I hope my work inspires a sense of possibility and resilience.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem by truly valuing the work we do—not just in words, but in actions. Art is often seen as a luxury or an afterthought, yet it plays a vital role in shaping culture, building community, and fostering identity. To support artists, we need a shift in perspective that prioritizes creativity as an essential part of society.

First, we need better financial support for artists. Grants, residencies, and affordable spaces to create and exhibit work are critical. Too often, artists are expected to create without fair compensation or resources in exchange for exposure. Artists deserve fair compensation and resources, not just exposure. Structural investments from local governments, corporations, and communities are critical to ensuring we can focus on creating without constant financial strain.

Education and advocacy are also key. Early exposure to art in schools and communities nurtures future creators and fosters an understanding of art’s value. Programs that emphasize creativity, collaboration, and cultural preservation help redefine art as essential, not optional.

Equity and accessibility must also be championed. Many artists from underrepresented communities face systemic barriers. Supporting diverse voices, amplifying marginalized creators, and making art accessible to all are crucial for fostering a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem. When everyone is represented and valued, creativity flourishes.

Finally, collaboration between artists and other business sectors should be normalized. Artists aren’t just makers of objects; we are problem-solvers, storytellers, and innovators. Whether it’s in urban planning, mental health, environmental conservation, or education, involving creatives in these conversations leads to fresh perspectives and impactful solutions.

In short, society thrives when artists are supported and celebrated as fundamental contributors to the human experience. A thriving creative ecosystem benefits everyone, weaving together connection, innovation, and the stories that make us who we are.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom to work on my own terms and carve out a life that reflects my values and passions. It’s the space to daydream, to read, and to immerse myself in ideas that spark curiosity and creativity. These moments of exploration are where my best work begins—when I can connect with deeper layers of meaning and find ways to translate those insights into something tangible and transformative.

What I love most is the connection my work fosters, both with others and within myself. Being able to facilitate transformation—whether it’s helping someone see themselves differently, healing through art, or creating a shared space for dialogue and reflection—feels deeply meaningful. I thrive on peeling back the layers of a story or an experience and finding ways to communicate those nuances through my art. It’s like holding a mirror to the world and saying, “Here’s what I see—what do you see?”

Ultimately, it’s the freedom, the connection, and the ability to create meaning that make this path so fulfilling. Being an artist allows me to live intentionally, to share my voice, and to inspire transformation in myself and others. That’s a gift I never take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.thedasandiford.comm
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misstheda/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedasandifordart/

Image Credits

April Tracey