Artist’s Statement, 2024
Art is a language that surges within me in response to a vast, mysterious world. Through creating, I fight my way through surface impressions; press beyond darkness and affirm that it can never overcome light; and explore emotions and energy beyond where words can reach. I unearth a place of goodness and hope. I find the mystery of God’s Love.
For many years, I tried to suppress this language. Working in international relief, I felt it could not urgently or adequately address the evils I witnessed in the world. It felt too slow and clumsy to reverse urgent emergencies such as poverty or abandonment. But it was a language that refused to be silenced; and I now believe, communicates the heart in ways words cannot express.
I mix media freely, although watercolor or printmaking techniques are often the first layer from which I build. Concepts of energy, contrast, spiritual journey, and flow guide my process. Experiences around the world contribute to my subject matter, and I most long to capture glimpses of the Glory of God.
Through painting, I see.
Link to sign up for my author/artist newsletter signup: Fragments of Light.
Exhibit photos
Exhibits (click links to view art)
2022
Poor Richards, Rico’s; 1 person show
- 25 abstract paintings
Kreuser Gallery: “Small Works,” Colorado Springs, CO (Juried)
- 4 paintings
Kreuser Gallery: “Gratitude,” Colorado Springs, CO (Juried)
2021
Gallerium Exhibitions: “Believe,” online (Juried)
Ed Dixon Gallery: “Joy (This Is Just What I Needed),” online
Kreuser Gallery: “Gratitude,” Colorado Springs, CO (Juried)
2019
Cottonwood Center for the Arts: “Abstract,” Colorado Springs, CO (Juried)
2018
Sunny Vista Art Show 2018, Colorado Springs, CO (Juried)
- Children in Kenya, 2nd place
2016
Gallery at Studio J, Denver, CO (Juried)
CSAG 2016 Regional Show: “Autumn Spirit”, Colorado Springs, CO (Juried)
Cottonwood Center for the Arts: “Text_Message”, Colorado Springs, CO (Juried)
- (3 pieces) See You, Hope Rises, and Through
Kreuser/AHA Galleries: “May Flowers Bring Art Showers”, Colorado Springs, CO (Juried )
Shine Like Stars at Castle Oaks Covenant Church, Castle Rock, CO
2015
Colorado Springs Art Guild Spring Show 2015: Impressions (Juried)
- Safe Passage, 2nd place
- Sacrificial Love
- Burning Bush
Shine Like Stars 2015: Colorado Springs First Friday gallery
2014
Flourish Freedom Sunday “Rise Up” 2014, Colorado Springs, CO (collaborative exhibit for human trafficking awareness event)
Colorado Springs Art Guild Spring Show 2014: Metamorphosis (Juried)
- Weeping With Us, honorable mention
- Holy Ground, honorable mention
- A Prayer for Haiti
- See You
Sunny Vista Art Show 2014, Colorado Springs, CO (Juried)
Colorado Springs Art Guild Regional Autumn Show 2014 (Juried)
Flourish First Friday Art Show 2014, Colorado Springs, CO (collaborative gallery)
2013
Flourish Freedom Sunday “Rise Up” 2013, Colorado Springs, CO (collaborative exhibit for human trafficking awareness event))
Modbo Small Works 2013, Colorado Springs, CO (Juried)
2012
Colorado Springs Art Guild Spring Show 2012 (Juried)
Colleen Briggs Images & Writing 
Dear Colleen; I am, at once, awed, stunned, amazed, and inspired by your work! As I do battle with my own artistic demons, I see hope and vision in your pieces. Thank you so very much for sharing.
Sandra
You have no idea how much you have lifted my spirits, Sandra, and given me strength to fight those demons and paint another day! From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Dear Colleen;
You are certainly most welcome! Keep up the great work! Often times, “regular” people don’t “see” with the same vision as artists do. And if you feel weighted down by course comments, remember that the great masters also had their naysayers as well. Van Gogh said, “Drawing is the root of everything !”
Based on my post today, you will see the frame of mind I had in receiving your encouragement. And one of the reasons it meant so much! Adding in Van Gogh, one of my favorite artists – ah, you’ve definitely offered a cup of cold water to a weary traveler!
I had the pleasure of visiting the VanGogh museum in Amsterdam last year with my sister. Incredible! Monet is also a favorite of mine. Now, I have another! And a new friend too! Im certainly blessed! Our road is a long journey but made easier with like minded people who can and do share artistic vision. Keep your pallette wet and your brushes clean! Happy painting!
I hope you will publish blog posts! I visited your site but didn’t see any posts. I am glad to know you as an artist friend and would love to see your work. I would love to see VanGoghs work in Amsterdam, but I was thrilled when the Denver Art Museum hosted a show of his work a few years ago. I was in awe to see his pencil lines in person!