Sandra Pirie-St.Amour

About my artwork: I used to say that I was forever grappling with bad hair days so I liked to work out of my home studio and interact with people by phone or email. Now, however, I don’t grapple any more, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I am more beautiful as a flawed whole than the sum of some particularly well groomed parts. It’s the same with my artwork. I like to lean into the mark of the maker and show the process. Perfection is not a goal —- the “aesthetic of the handmade” is.

I welcome blooms and splotches of water on paper, the stray marks of carving clay, and the flow and runny drips of glaze. Contrast and balance play a part in all of my work. In watercolor it is the contrasting balance of loose brushwork with the right amount of detail. In my ceramics it is the contrasting feel of the two surfaces of the raw drawn-on clay against the smooth glossy finish of the glaze.

Curves, saturated earthy colors, patterns, texture and all things "Mother Nature" are a constant in my work. I started my art career as a graphic designer and moved towards watercolor illustration. Several years ago I discovered the pleasure of clay and the rest is history. Now I draw and paint on both paper and clay making nature-inspired art at affordable prices for your home. I hope you enjoy your pieces as much as I have enjoyed making them.

Exhibitions: My work has been exhibited throughout the Boston Metrowest area. Most recently I have participated in “Women of Abstraction” at the New Art Center, and “REAL” at Arlington Center for the Arts. In my early days I exhibited at the Society of Illustrators in New York City and The Newport Art Museum in Rhode Island. Additionally, I won numerous graphic design awards.

Personal: Besides being a maker I am also an art teacher. I teach students of all ages from 4 - retirees and I am always inspired by their energy and enthusiasm as well as their amazing artwork. During the days I teach at a nature based K-8 school. Outside of school hours I teach at various local arts organizations.

When I am not working I am usually hanging out with my husband of 35+ years and our very large, very lazy, rescue dog Cooper. My husband is an artist and gardener who keeps busy in our yard. Thanks to him I don’t have to go far for inspiration or flowers for propping my photos. We have 2 grown children and I adore hearing about all of their adventures in adulting.