Sandi Parker

Website: www.sandiparker.com
Email: sandiparkerart@gmail.com.

Arlington, Virginia artist Sandi Parker (www.sandiparker.com) specializes in acrylic abstracts and impressionistic style oils. Her abstracts are based on urban walls and landscapes; favorite subjects for oils include landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, gardens and youth sports. She also has a line of jewelry, SandiSea Designs, made with shells, stone and other natural materials found on beaches.

Sandi is a member of the Arlington Artists Alliance, the Art League, and the Rehoboth Art League in Rehoboth, Delaware. She exhibits and sells her work at Gallery Underground, where she is Co-Director, located at 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA; Cassatt’s Café and Gallery, located at 4536 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA; The Corkran Gallery at the Rehoboth Art League; at numerous art shows and other venues in Arlington, and at her studio/gallery at Blue Studios at Art Underground at 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA. Her work has won awards and is frequently accepted into juried shows.

Artist’s Statement

“My goal in painting abstracts is to create dynamic color studies with movement and energy, invoking an urban vibe. In my traditional oils, I am especially drawn to the vivid purples of lavender fields in Provence, the yellows of Tuscan sunflower fields, the pastels of the sea, and the many hues of flowers. In these works I attempt to create a soothing mood through the use of color. In my paintings of youth sports I strive to capture action, drama, and touching interaction between players and coaches. In my jewelry line I have translated my love of the seashore and years of “treasure hunting” on beaches all over the world into a line of unique, one-of-a-kind pieces using natural materials.”

Sandi’s work can be seen on her website, at www.sandiparker.com. Her works are also available as prints upon request, and on notecards, and she accepts commissions. Contact Sandi at sandiparkerart@gmail.com.

Website: http://mindfulartcreations.com

Ilona Lantos is an educator and artist, whose passion can be summed up in a few words, “art is for everyone.” Teaching and art making have been part of her whole life. She taught languages, computer graphics, music and jewelry making. When her only child, Chris died from cancer when he was 12, Ilona was devastated. Her heart broke into million pieces and she could not see any purpose of her life. She not only lost her son, she also lost her role as a mother. When she was introduced to silk painting a tiny light entered her heart. She immediately became seriously interested in learning more about painting, so she attended several workshops. With the brushes and paints she was able to express what is hard to say in words. She committed to rebuilding herself as an artist. She has studied Intentional Creativity with Shiloh Sophia McCloud, acrylic painting with Flora Aube, silk painting with Clara Graves, mandala art with Kathryn Costa and Cassia Cogger. She and her husband established the Chris Lantos Foundation in memory of their son to help kids with cancer and their families. Ilona hopes that art making will be integral part in her personal and professional life. She is a member in the Intentional Creativity Teacher and Guild and the Arlington Artists Allience.

Artist Statement

I enjoy making art that activates a sense of being in touch with my deeper self and wisdom. My work centers around the old stories that we have been telling ourselves while they control our lives unconsciously yet when we bring them into consciousness we can transform them into new legends on the canvas.

My process is based on intuition, intention and inquiry. I love to dig deep into my heart and mind until the unconscious essence of me becomes conscious and materializes into something physical to touch and see and have a dialog with. I love to express feelings with symbols and patterns.

Making art is part of cultivating self-love and learning about myself at a deeper level and authentically.