Artist Statement
Sanda Steele’s art is a fusion of the various cultural communities that shaped her early life. Born in Romania "Behind the Iron Curtain," she was surrounded by family and friends who were refugees from post-civil war torn Greece and neighboring countries. Moving to the United States at 7, American culture seamlessly merged with her identity. As a first-generation immigrant family, they faced struggles in establishing a home, where art became her source of comfort and strength, allowing her to reflect on life. From a young age, she learned to draw, embroider, and crochet, all of which evolved into ongoing artistic expressions. Today, as an adult artist, she immerses herself in the present moment, listening to her inner voice. Drawing inspiration from the beauty that surrounds her, she aims to instill hope and perseverance in others. Her work reflects the beauty of Greek antiquities' line drawings, the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of regional traditional embroidery and folk art, synthesizing the music, colors, and flavors of her upbringing with the knowledge acquired in American schools.
“I am an artist of life.”
Artist Bio
Sanda Steele's first-generation immigrant family encountered numerous challenges upon arriving in the United States. To survive, they relied on inventive solutions such as establishing a mini sewing factory at home and repurposing broken electronics to help those in need. Growing up in this environment, Steele learned to be resourceful and developed a knack for creating beauty from discarded items. This early exposure to various crafts laid the foundation for her current artistic endeavors, shaping her belief that creativity can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Steele graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago with a BA in Studio Arts. She also attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and obtained a Professional Lithographer Certificate from the Tamarind Institute of Lithography. Additionally, she holds a Wisconsin Cross Categorical Special Education Teacher License and an Art Teacher License. Steele's teaching experience includes roles as an Art Teacher, Beginning Spanish Teacher, Special Education Teacher, and Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Blind. In the latter role, she taught children to read and write in Braille in both English and Spanish.
In addition to her roles as a visual artist and educator, Steele finds joy in her new role as a grandparent. When she is not teaching or creating art, she cherishes spending quality time with her family, her 3 Scottish Terriers, and her orchid collection.
Self-portrait, c. 1981 color pencil, oil pastel
Self-portrait, c. 1985 acrylic paint, wall paint