Art Feature – ‘Resurrection – As The Crow Flies’ by Sandi Sweeney

  • Death Bone
  • Resurrection
“While walking along the beach in Alabama, a bleached-out fish relic called to me. It was large and strange, resting in tufts of protected sea oats under the hot blazing sun. I rescued the bone and tossed it into a pile of driftwood pieces and broken shells. Although it frequently called to me to recast it from death to a life form, I found I could not work with the piece until I painted it black. The reminder of its origin was too poignant.”

“The bone had a pointed protrusion that whispered to me about spirit animals. The voice was strong and it encouraged me to continue the journey. Once painted black, I trimmed the bone and began adding clay to fill in open areas. The piece continued its emergence into what it would become—a strong and regal black crow, a spirit bird symbolizing transformation and change. To Native Americans the crow represents good fortune. Seems a fitting end to a long journey—a fish of the sea transforming into a spirit bird of the air. And I know to always listen to the whispers of nature.”

Artist Statement

“I am a self-taught mixed media artist traveling in a maze of creative discovery. Throughout my life, art has been my creative outlet, my place of peace and self-reflection, and my constant companion.

My dad was an early inspiration. When he became the caretaker for my mom, his world closed in around him. I stepped in and began sending original patterns and drawings of creatures, toys and oddities that he could build in his home workshop. He worked on these creations as a respite while caring for my mom. I pushed myself to keep up with his need to create. Our exchange continued for about 15 years. After my visits, I took his work home, finished and painted the items, selling what I could at craft shows. Although my parents have passed, that experience continues to motivate me.

Since my own retirement I have been able to spend more time in my basement studio and expand my media repertoire. I love hunting for driftwood and sea relics from gulf beaches and gathering naturals and other oddities on daily walks. My joy comes from stretching the boundaries of creativity and design, e.g., turning gourds into unique jewelry, purses and dolls; transforming driftwood into whimsical creatures; and, writing and illustrating amusing books. I like to mix paints, stains and inks in creating wall art and enjoy media experimentation. Every artistic mishap provides a valuable learning experience. I do not follow the rules or stay within the lines.

I began doing juried art shows about 15 years ago with a focus on my gourd art. Since then I have added my driftwood creatures along with unusual art pieces combining naturals and found objects. I am in my studio each day by 5 AM and continually look for new creative outlets. I expect that some form of art will be my close companion throughout the rest of my life.”

Sandi Sweeney is a mixed media artist and crafter. Her love of nature provides the inspiration for the pieces she creates and her approach is eclectic and whimsical. She enjoys taking pieces of nature and transforming them into unique pieces of art.