Sandee Burman Works

Sandee Burman Artist Statement

Having always been grounded in nature, I started out with a passion for plein air painting. The landscape intrigued me...the lay of the land, the atmospheric conditions, the reaching influence of light. The beauty and diversity of Oregon’s landscape called to me and I found my inspiration in answering its call. Painting was my passion, my reason for being, the vehicle that took me to that open and lucid state of mind where there is no measure of time, no doubt, no limits...where all is as it should be.

My creative process took a huge hit after an accident left me with a fragile body and muddled mind. Packing up my gear and heading out was no longer an option. I would have to work in my studio. I would have to find inspiration, strength and technique. I struggled. I continued to paint without the cooperation of my body, my mind or my spirit. I struggled to find light. My work became darker. Functioning in a fog, overwhelmed and exhausted, I found myself in a pit of despair and disbelief. I had lost my connection.

I learned self-hypnosis for pain management and healing. Finding I could “let go” of pain while I was in a hypnotic state gave me the incentive to look further into the possibilities of the subconscious. If I could find a way of seeing through this fog I was in, I could become more efficient and more productive with the ultimate goal of having a better quality of life. I started suggesting to myself that I become more aware...more aware of my reality.

My eyes opened.

I started experiencing deeper states of consciousness. I started having profound experiences. I started down a path of deep introspection. As I looked deeper in me I looked deeper into my paintings, searching for more depth of space and suggestion. As I understood the heaviness of my experience my work became heavier in atmosphere. In peeling back the layers of my life I started painting in layers...layers of paint, glazes and veils. Each worth something. Each bringing a lesson learned. As I submerged myself into quietude I anchored myself in the haunting hues of the evening, the elusive colors of dusk and dawn, atmospheric conditions and radiant light.

Always seeking to widen my interpretation of the truth I paint in pursuit of tapping into what lies beyond the five senses. I am where I should be. I emerge from this transition with clarity.

Sandee Burman