Artist Statement
Making art is about my experiences as they build up layer upon layer through time,as informed by the places I have traveled to and lived in.
At the same time the work comes from the work.
As I paint, the work takes on a life of it's own, as it feeds off of my previous paintings. The process is immediate and a constant dialogue develops between myself and the painting, Frequently, I turn the canvas/paper in all directions to make sure the energy has evolved from all sides.
In thinking and working abstractly, I am driven by a new opportunity to share my celebration of life with others.
In my work I embrace the abstract expressionistic genre, while drawing inspiration from the Dutch Masters, Brahm van Velde, The New York School, and all the "isms". For me this work is best expressed with mixed media, on canvas, paper and board, in both small and large format.
My desire is to engage the viewer as an active participant. I do not title my art, as I never want to trap the viewer into only my thoughts .Rather for all to use my artistic images as a jumping off point to see and learn something new.
Houston-based artist Sandi Seltzer Bryant’s abstract paintings have always been a reflection of her life. In the 70’s and 80’s her vocabulary of marks represented her family, while in the 90’s the marks were reflective of her travels in Europe and of living in the Netherlands. In 2006 her paintings were a direct reference to textiles and the color, texture and patterns found in the various countries she visited including Mexico, Vietnam, Cambodia,Thailand, Peru, Ecuador, Morocco, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Russia. In 2010 Sandi traveled in China and was influenced by its culture and both collage and a subtler palette were introduced.
An artist is often asked how long it takes to make a painting and the answer to that question is often surprising to many but true. Sandi Seltzer Bryant has spent 30 years of mark making to create these confident and seductive paintings.
Roni McMurtrey
Director
McMurtrey Gallery
Director Statement
