Artist Statement: Sara Gondwe
I am a local, award-winning artist, originating from Beaver Dam, WI and raising a family in Gettysburg, PA.
With a passion to create, I retired to Charlottesville, to paint. Self-taught, I use a technique new to the Art World. Scraping bits of crayon onto canvas, wood, glass or metal an iron becomes my brush. The iron slides, melts and shapes the crayon into a freeform design. Using the tip of a tube of acrylic paint, I often outline forms, or create new ones.
My work is known for its brilliant colors, interesting texture, unique creativity and varying viewer perceptions. My work has been influenced by African culture in Malawi, Kenya and Senegal. Themes include tantalizing trees, zebra tree series, fancy fishes, underwater caves, and so much more.
For September, 2021, Gondwe’s art can be viewed at K. winery, Sentara Hospital, 4th floor cancer ward, Sweet Art Emporium on Main St. in Palmyra and Green County Market from 8 to noon on Saturdays in Standardsville.
Thank you for allowing me to share myself with you through my art.
Contact Info: sarajayn@live.com 434-454-8288 google: sara gondwe art.
Don’t Worry — Be Happy! Is the theme for this UUC Art Exhibit. Perhaps this is a survival skill that could benefit our philosophy on life’s hardships.
Collage 24”x28” $150
Fancy & Carefree is about the beauty surrounding us that can inspire and sustain us day by day.
Melted crayons (iron), Acrylics 24”x36” $250
And the Beat Goes On has been juried into the Regional Art Exhibit at the Fredericksburg Creative Center for the Arts FCCA). The theme is “Visual Rhythm”, exhibiting August 28 — September 24.
Melted crayons (iron), Acrylics 36”x24” $350
Climbing Mountains is my most recent painting and is an experimentation in the use of contrasting colors. The title runs parallel to the difficulties we are confronted with on our life’s journey.
Melted crayons (iron), Acrylics 36”x24” $400
Joy and Motion in the Forest has been juried into the FCCA Regional show August 28 — September 24, “Visual Rhythms”. What do you see in this painting?
Melted crayons (iron), Acrylics 36”x20” $400
Opening of the Cocoons can be a source for meditation on new beginnings and hope in our future.”
Melted crayons (iron), Acrylics 40”x40” $450
Redwood Forest is one piece amongst 30 other paintings all done on 6”x6” blocks of wood, titled “Tantalizing Trees”, winning Honorable Mention at the National juried Show at FCCA in Fredericksburg. These paintings will be on display and for sale at the Farmer’s Market, Ruckersville, Saturday’s, September 4 and 11, 8 — noon.
Melted crayons (iron), Acrylics 6”x6” on wood $75
The Butterfly’s Journey — What would the world be like without butterflies and enchanting flowers?
Melted Crayons (Iron), Acrylics 34”x24”. $250
The Healing Tree is about affirming and respecting ourselves as individuals, dealing with childhood abuse, and the realization that we can direct our own destinies. Artist Choice Award, Luray, VA
Melted crayons (iron), Acrylics 40”x30” $450
Black Lives are Awesome! is a recognition that Black Lives Matter and a celebration of their valuable contributions to society. Will consider donating to a non-profit organization.
Collage 48”x48” $150
The Eternal Light is a symbol of my faith and a reminder that working for racial justice must be never-ending.
Melted crayons (iron), Acrylics, Pen & ink 19”x16” $150
Which Path to Take? was created during the Corona Virus Pandemic and represents the confusion, misinformation, grieving, job loss, burn-out, financial worries, homelessness and despair as we try to figure out how to move forward with hope and kindness in our hearts.
Melted crayons (iron), Acrylics 20”x30” $350