Artist Profile: Sandra Milton

Painting and Sculpting the Nature of Humanity

By Natalie del Valle

Never stop growing as an artist; that is the motto that serves as inspiration for Georgia painter and sculptor, Sandra Milton. My goal is to be able to create the best work and continue to learn and grow as an artist. There is so much to see; I could never accept complacency, she says.

Born into a military family, Sandra grew up in Germany, Korea and various military bases across the country before settling in Georgia. Ive lived in Georgia for many years long enough to call it home, Sandra says.  Living in various locations throughout her life has given her a unique perspective. The beauty, music and images of Korean and German culture are deeply embedded in my memories, and this helps to create fragments of identity in my work, she says. One of her influences is Anselm Kiefer, a German painter and sculptor. Shes also inspired by the fearless, powerful and emotional work of Egon Schiele and Alice Neel.

In her own paintings and sculptures, Sandra usually focuses on the human figure, the nature of humanity and the attraction and tension of opposites. My work delves into the connections, disconnections and all the fragments that bind us together. This takes me back through the history of mankind, from Genesis to who we are today, Sandra explains.

When painting or sculpting, Sandra likes to pace herself, allowing the image to reveal itself over time. There may be a shadow of an image there, but not enough of a form to work with until I draw into it, sand out marks, edit and redraw. I may allow it to rest for awhile until it shows me what it needs, Sandra says.

When Sandra is not working on her art, shes researching. When Im not physically creating, Im mentally focused on the foundations of art, studying the shapes, forms, lines and colors of things, and absorbing it into my memory, Sandra says. She uses paints, pastels, acrylics, oils and water-based oils in her paintings. She uses terra cotta clay or stoneware to create her sculptures.

Sandra Milton built her studio and gallery in the historic district of Roswell 15 years ago. My work is intense, so my environment is important. It is a light-filled, open space. The gallery is separate from the studio, Sandra says. She has involved herself in the art community for many years and has participated in many juried shows. She has won Best in Show, numerous Honorable Mentions, and several 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards. In 2008, Sandra was a co-winner of the Roswell Cultural Arts Board Choice Award. My biggest accomplishment isnt something Ive created. Its the wholeness of being an artist, says Sandra.

SandraMilton.com