Sandy Abrams

Artist Statement

Working oftentimes in an unconventional manner, I am an artist that uses a variety of materials to create non-functional sculptural objects that often echo a direct connection between the natural world and to my life’s experiences.

Two major influences for my work have been Joe Hogan and my work in ceramics. Coming from a ceramics background, the vessel form has always been one of my interests, for it suggests containment or concealment and these two words are weighed in much of my work.  Joe Hogan, an internationally known willow maker from Ireland, introduced me to willow basket making.  During this time I became acutely aware of how I especially enjoyed working with my hands using natural materials that were a renewable resource and environmentally friendly.  Process is the key word in the making of my art. Whether it is the frequent motions of twining, felting, stitching, punching holes, or tying knots, a sense of centeredness is created by such repetitious work.  In fact, many times these periods become quite meditative – a wholesome break from the busy urban life of Los Angeles, for while I humanize the material, it naturalizes me.

Biography

Sandy Abrams, a mixed media artist who uses felt, clay, wood, various fibers and digital images, was born and raised in New England.  After receiving her undergraduate degree, she moved to Los Angeles.  Her Masters of Fine Arts with a concentration in Ceramics was awarded from California State University of Long Beach.  Her career of teaching ceramics included a local university, junior colleges and private high schools.  In addition she has been an artist-in-residence at Art Farm, Marquette, Nebraska and Aras  Eanna Cultural Center on the Aran Islands in Ireland and studied with renowned Irish basket makers Joe Hogan and Alison Fitzgerald.  She presently maintains a studio in Long Beach where she also lives.  She often makes non-functional objects that echo a connection to nature or the “ordinary or mundane routines” in life.  Interested in process she finds repetitious movements rewarding, revealing, and relaxing.