We recently connected with Connie Sandusky and have shared our conversation below.
Connie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I had a full time corporate career which included international travel. When in different cities I would take in the local culture, which usually included the arts. I was envious of the freedom of expression and at some point became almost “jealous” of it. I got “fed up”of being an outsider which gave me a sort of courage to start creating and exploring various art forms.
Connie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My formal education was in food science- specializing in functional food ingredients including natural colors. Color theory is the same whether you are thinking about art or apples. That’s the knowledge part that formed a basis to start making art. But, the inspiration to do so came from seeing the expressive way that the greats applied the color. I was taking all kind of courses to learn drawing and color mixing and the differences between the pigments in water and oil media etc but none of this teach a person to go inside and express themselves with their own unique energy. That had been really lacking in my life and Seeing the great works of art- particularly the abstract expressionists inspired me to have a go.
Now, after 15+years of experimenting and daily practice, I know the importance of putting my own energy out there , not some imitation of something pretty I saw or a work that feeds someone’s ego.
If someone loves what they see- great- we all like to sell work- but I’m just not interested in creating “canned” art . Admittedly, that’s a luxury I have as an older creative. I “get” that you have to do what you have to do to keep the lights on in the studio.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Non creatives think it’s a compliment to say “oh you are so talented “. It drives me crazy because I know how hard every good artist works at improving and learning and that “compliment”is so dismissive of the effort. It takes courage and maybe a bit of insanity to share your vision with the world- you say to the world- “ok- look at this – give this idea consideration “ and you wait to be told that their 4 year old could draw better . And then you wake up tomorrow and do it again!🤣
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Bringing something new into the world from where there was previously nothing. Being able to release fear and judgement and just “create” as a pure act is a gift and a privilege . As Andy Warhol (supposedly ) said- let others argue about whether it’s any good- you just make your art!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ConnieSanduskyStudio.com
- Instagram: ConnieSanduskyStudio
- Facebook: ConnieSanduskyStudio