We know that the job of an artist is, at times, a difficult one. To mediate the world through the stroke of a brush or the snap of a camera is no small feat. We believe in giving artists their flowers, which is why we love to highlight them through an Artist Q&A! We dive into their process and how they created their current piece in the gallery. Please keep reading to learn more about artist Sandy Hockenbury and her artworks in our Scrumptious exhibition, Essence of Iridescence I and Essence of Iridescence II!
What is the inspiration behind this work?
Sandy: “I find design in nature miraculous and fascinating, yet I am limited in what I see and understand. Something has to inspire my attention. An article about iridescence and viewing micro images inspired thoughts and ideas over some weeks and months.”
For Essence of Iridescence I:
“I love rocks in their raw state, and I love how the transparent watercolor and ink helped me capture that.”
For Essence of Iridescence II:
“Microscopic views of the iridescent feathers of hummingbirds kept coming to mind. I was aware of their luminous feathers but had no knowledge of the underlying miracle in these tiny birds.”
How long did it take you to make these pieces?
Sandy: “Interesting question. If we are talking just execution, two days after several renditions for Essence of Iridescence I, three days for Essence of Iridescence II.”
Describe your creative process.
Sandy: “Lots of free sketching, drawing, and playing with watercolor and ink until I get a sense of direction. It is important to me to stay true to watercolor’s transparency. I plan my design and format size, and choose pigments and color schemes. Next come several renditions. Then I plan my presentation.”
If you could give yourself one piece of advice when starting your journey as an artist, what would that be?
Sandy: “Study the conventional wisdom of art and design principles, master your chosen media and tools, THEN express your true artistic self.”
