Local StoriesMay 22, 2023

Meet Sandra Charles

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Charles.

Hi Sandra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I have always been an artist and was able to obtain a scholarship to attend the University of Louisville in 1971.

During my junior year, I decided to get married, work and raise a family. I found myself working in commercial insurance. It paid great but art was my passion. Still having a strong need to create I returned to school in 2010 after almost a forty-year absence to study painting.

I continued to work full time using vacation and personal time when necessary. In 2015, I obtained a Bachelor of Fine Art with a concentration in painting. After graduating, I took a leap of faith when my work offered voluntary early retirement to me and 30 other people. I decided I would focus on my art and now I am a full-time artist. You should never give up on your dreams.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey to becoming an artist was not smooth. When I was growing up my parents were supportive but society looked down on artists. Whenever I mentioned art as a career most people would encourage me to get a “real” job.

The other obstacle was when I went back to school. The university had big changes since I had last been on campus but once I accepted the changes, I found that my life experiences helped me navigate through my classes. I was able to problem solve better and in most classes I made an A.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a figurative oil painter. My artwork is a personal journey of defining who I am as a Black woman within our society. Most of my paintings are 4ft x 5ft. I love to paint large because each painting celebrates and uplifts the self-esteem of African American women by focusing on the expressions that represent our history, expectations, self-image, and the essence that lies behind the façade of society’s perceptions.

My paintings capture the removal of the hegemonic veil which covers the struggle between self and the perceived social order. The women in each painting push the boundaries of their lives represented by their images pushing the confines of each canvas. Using color and subtle historical symbolism, each painting acknowledges the internal struggle as it fades away from the stereotypical norm toward a truer self-confidence.

Acknowledging this internal struggle through art, my work moves away from traditional Western portraits that can reinforce disparities within the self as well as those woven throughout our history.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
My favorite childhood memory was when I was living in Hazard, KY. I loved being outside and drawing pictures of the mountains behind our house. I remember it was so peaceful, especially in the summer.

Contact Info:

Website: Scharlesart.com
Instagram: @sandraspaintings

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