Artist of the Week: Sandra French

Sandra French is a Bradenton-based artist who works out of her studio and gallery in the Village of the Arts.

French has been working in stained glass for over twenty years, and is known for her work in Sarasota's Selby Gardens Wedding Pavilion.

She opened her studio in Village of the Arts in 2010, and, along with her commissioned work, she occasionally teaches classes in stained glass, mosaics and ceramics. Sandra French Stained Glass is one of the few galleries in the Village of the Arts that operates under normal business hours, six days a week. As the busy season approaches, the gallery will be open seven days.

Along with her own work, Sandra French Stained Glass features the work of approximately 30 local artists in he gallery.

Name: Sandra French.

Contact Info: 941-747-9561.

Studio/Gallery/’Zine info: , 1102 12th St W, Bradenton , FL 34205. (Village of the Arts)

Hours (if applicable): Daily, 10am - 6pm.

What mediums do you prefer to work in? I started working with clay when I was 8 years old and have a degree in ceramics, as well as journalism. I began to apprentice at a stained glass shop in Sarasota in 1990, and stained glass has become my primary medium since then. I still occasionally work with clay and teach classes in ceramics.

What type of subject matter does your work usually explore? I call my specialty a “tropical botanical” theme. I do a lot of big floral pieces and a lot of birds; sometimes sea life – it’s very Florida-themed. Really, I do whatever my client wants. I’ve done NASCAR-themed stained glass work upon request. Just today, a woman came in asking if I could do a rubber chicken piece. As far as my personal work goes, I do very abstract pieces.

Artists or individuals who have influenced you: My personal work is heavily influenced by 1940s Abstract Expressionists, as well as Mondrian. As strange as it sounds, Stevie Wonder’s album, “The Secret Life of Plants,” is a big influence on a lot of my work, too. Every one of my tropical pieces has a “ribbon of life,” which is borrowed directly from Stevie Wonder’s work, running through the scene.

How would you like your art to influence others? I’d like it to bring about world peace. But really – the feelings that are evoked when I install my work are incredible. I’ve had people cry and pop bottles of champagne while I’m installing my work in their homes. There’s the initial shock and awe effect, but this work really retains its beauty. It’s different throughout the day – from the first thing they see in the morning, through the changing evening light and night time. It serves a practical function by creating privacy blocking out heat, and it makes for a great family heirloom.

What is most appealing about the art scene in Bradenton? I used to live in Fort Myers, and I have to say that there’s so much more culture here. I’ve always been attracted to funky downtown environments, and Bradenton has a really great one. It’s also nice to have such close access to Sarasota, but with a cheaper cost of living.

Are there any changes you would you like to see in Bradenton’s art scene? I would like to see people value art as much as they value alcohol. What I mean by that is that I feel like the arts can be somewhat overshadowed by the partying and drinking aspect of the really fantastic festivals Bradenton holds. It often seems like art is the bright shiny thing that initially gets people to big events, but then it often takes a back seat to the beer and partying. There are so many great artists here that deserve more recognition than they’re getting. I’d like to see the Palmetto arts scene getting more recognition as well.

Where do you look when you need artistic inspiration? I look to nature. That’s another wonderful thing about living here – you don’t have to go far. I used to spend a lot of time on the water, sailing, so a lot of my inspiration comes from there. Some of my other favorite places to go are Emerson Point in Palmetto and Selby Gardens in Sarasota.

A word of advice for aspiring artists: Build up your inventory, make a portfolio and hit the streets. One thing leads to another. I remember being in that place. I learned that the more I had in my book, the more people would look, and the more opportunities I’d receive. Be willing to do anything! I’ve had people commission me to paint numbers on their mailboxes or the backs of their boats. The more work you can get out there, the better off you’ll be.