Random Questions with Sandra Kasper
Published 12:42 pm Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Abstract and mixed-media artist Sandra Kasper and her husband of 52 years moved to Sequim a year and a half ago and have since found their paradise.
Within three months of living in town Kasper connected with a group of artists and through her now established and cherished friendships Kasper was encouraged to get involved with the local art community.
Although an ever-evolving passion for art, and specifically painting, has been a common thread throughout her life, Kasper truly got serious about pursuing her artistic calling in 1989. As Director of Education and an artist in residence at Coral Springs Artist Guild, Kasper’s world was opened to many artists and she quickly became involved in both shows and galleries.
Kasper considers herself a “experimental artist” because she isn’t concerned with bending what some would consider rules or making do with whatever tools are accessible. Once, after running out of textured paper while doing a series of pastels, Kasper simply used sandpaper instead.
“You have to learn to draw, create a foundation and know the rules, but then what’s fun is when you get to break those rules,” she said.
Kasper is self-taught, but admits she doesn’t like the phrase “self-taught” because she feels you’re learning from everything.
The style of pieces Kasper creates greatly varies, but she primarily paints abstract expression often reflecting notes of the “joyful experience” she feels while painting.
Having just recently been juried into the Blue Whole Gallery, Kasper is preparing to be the gallery’s featured artist in February and plans to share a variety abstract and mixed-media pieces, including a Sequim-inspired painting called, “A Place Where the Mountains Meet the Sea.”
Question 34: What one word best describes you?
“I want to say either accepting or imaginative.”
Question 11: What’s a guilty pleasure of yours?
“Wow … I just don’t have a lot of guilt at this age, but probably (watching) ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians.’”
Question 1: How did you get into your line of work?
“Painting was always something I wanted to do since I was a kid. My first art teacher said I had a good sense of color, but refused to color within the lines and that has sort of been the story of my life.
Question 10: What’s one thing people might not know about you?
“I worked at an ice cream store and I would give my friends malts, but only charge them for a scoop of ice cream. I got fired from that job, but I was only 14.”
Question 7: What’s your favorite color?
“Plaid – When you ask an artist their favorite color, it’s like asking a mother which of her children she loves the most.”
Bonus question: What’s your favorite aspect of painting?
“I think what it (painting) does is it helps you to see more clearly. My goal is to see not just with your eyes, but your heart. I think it leads to a fuller, richer life.”
Bonus question: Does your painting reflect your move to Sequim?
“I think so. I think it’s the beauty, friendly people and well, just everything about this area are what make it such a magical and special place and the people here reflect that … I don’t know how that couldn’t influence me.”
Blue Whole Gallery’s artist of the month: Sandra Kasper
When: February
Where: 129 W. Washington St.
Phone: 681-6033
More info: bluewholegallery.com
In Random Questions, members of the community each draw five random questions (sometimes more) out of 50 from a bag and he/she will answer these questions for your entertainment. With suggestions for random interviews, e-mail Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.
