Sandra Carol Lapage
Born in So Paulo, Brazil, 1974
Belgium and Brazilian nationalities
On the background: Painting 11, oil on canvas, 2005, 180x155 cm

First of all, I would like to clarify that the following observations are comments on the work achieved until now, not constituting rigid rules or theories. Thus I do not exclude that everything might change, because experimentation and complete freedom are the only prerrogatives of my work of art.

General aspects of my work of art

I believe that the work of an artist is a complex and varied activity, which involves reading, drawing, drafting, planning, and also educating the faculty of seeing. The realization of the work of art, which is unique, happens in the material environment of the studio - its conception as important as its translation into an object of art. The most important instruments in my art work are: intuition as a guideline to the poetic operation; the line as a transmission of feelings; the invention (opposite to the copy of the reality); the senses.

The artistic work
The work of art envolves understanding that concept and material realization are most of the times very different aspects of the process: experimentation is the way of coping with the anguish of the artistic process. Each materialization, as unexpected as it might seem, will trigger a different line of thinking, and a diverse operation seeking a new solution. The work will not necessarily evolve to something better, but this continuing process of learning will teach me something. That is why it is imperative not finding confort in a known solution, and always seek new experiences and that is also why the work is in a constant mutation, avoiding repetition, seeking evolution.

Intuition
Having accepted the unpredictable aspect of the work of art, it is easier to recognize and use intuition I do what I feel I must, without following a method or an established theory. My work only exists through my paintings, and so I am compelled to keep on moving from canvas to canvas. The only moment of tranquility exists when the work materializes itself; it is the moment of reflexion uppon the work done.

Sources of inspiration:

1. Art history
Recognizing that, considering the conception of representation, there are few changes in the history of art (for example, an antique rock inscription or chinese figure might seem as modern and actual as the works of art of the XXth century), I am sensitive to the works and teachings of all periods of time. And so I choose to study as much contemporary art as, for instance, dutch primitives or italian renaissance. The inspiration will not only operate its effect regarding to themes or composition, as it may also bring technical information and inspiration.

2. Personal yearnings
My work of art happens according to what I feel I must, want and yearn to do. The process of representation is referred to life and its existencial anguish, often oscilating between figurative art and abstraction.

3. Cultural origin
Belgian and Brazilian, my mother tongues are french and portuguese. Actually leaving in So Paulo, Brazil, the culture of northern Europe remains in part my own, and in this culture lies the strong idea of art as an expression of feelings, emotions, perception, as opposite to an art of certainty and racionalism. That is why my works often possesses subjective elements, strong and unreal colors and, in short, an inventive characteristic.

Sandra Lapage