Sandra Jockus - Seeing the World Through the Colors of the Rainbow
The vibrant art of Sandra Jockus!
Artist Sandra Jockus' intriguing journey in life has literally taken this talented innovator around the world. And that has influenced her art and outlook big time. Sandra spent her early childhood years in her native Lithuania before moving to Berlin where she grew up and attended high school. More than a little adventurous, Sandra decided, upon graduation, to spend one year in Tokyo as a student, as part of a special program. As things turned out, though, Sandra ended up living there for nine years. During Sandra's Japanese sojourn, she attended the Bunka College of Fashion and then worked in Tokyo's fashion industry for several years.
Ms. Jockus' paintings are all about color. And, she brings these amazing blends of color to life in so many imaginative ways. Through Sandra's perceptive eyes, you will see the world in a way that you never have before. "I feel that colors are magical. They create a mood and when used properly can lift the viewer's spirits. However, it took me many years to learn how to use colors in a satisfying way. Colors are somewhat like food. Some people like a ton of color; others prefer things to be more subdued."
Sandra told Aplez.com that artists go through different phases when they are still trying to find themselves. Our artist in the spotlight was no exception. "I was always changing up my color palette; never being completely satisfied. Then, one day, I got a really good feeling for what I was doing and thought' That's it! This blend of colors is what really represents me."
Sandra is proud to be a self-taught artist. She feels that not having been schooled in just one style of painting has given her the freedom to express herself fully and also, to make changes whenever the mood takes her and experiment. "When I started to seriously get into drawing during my teenage years," explained Sandra, " I thought that the brand-name, expensive art supplies would make my art look better. I quickly found out that those things don't matter. It is what's INSIDE you as an artist that counts. I think that all artists need to go through a learning process with different mediums like watercolors, inks, and gouache and see what works for them, including what's the right paper for your art. It is my belief that when one is self-taught, one pays more attention to detail when you first start out. Eventually, you will " discover" just what your style is."
As an artist, Sandra enjoys working with her iPad. She feels that the iPad gives her a lot of creative freedom and "really, the sky's the limit when it comes to digital art. But, I also like more traditional methods of drawing and painting. There's nothing like the feeling of putting a brush on canvas." If it was good enough for the old masters, it was good enough for Sandra.
The influences of Sandra's world travels are present in her art for all to see. In Lithuania and Germany, Sandra relished her cherished trips to the countryside, where the beauty of nature cast its spell on her. The outrageous neon lights of Tokyo inspired Sandra's use of color as did Japanese animation such as cartoons as well as comic books.
As Sandra tells it; "I have loved Japanese animation ever since I was a teenager, especially the anime Sailor Moon, which changed my thinking about female heroes. Sailor Moon and her magical friends were normal high school students who used magic to fight their enemies. They weren't larger-than-life superheroes who you couldn't really identify with."
The artist's love of animals has always been with Sandra. Within her art, you will see all manner of animals from cats and dogs to exotic birds and even giraffes and tigers. Sandra grew up with cats and even adopted ( sort of ) one or two of the felines who roamed her neighborhood in Tokyo. Now, she is the proud mom to her loving pooch Trevor, who is a Bassador (basset hound and labrador mix), named after the comedian Trevor Noah. " From the moment that Trevor came into my life, he put a smile on my face. He is my muse and my great emotional support. Trevor even has his own Instagram @trevorthebridge.So, be sure to check it out ."
And, don't be surprised if you catch a glimpse of the artist herself, making a cameo appearance, in one or two paintings. The artist likes to insert herself in her art just to change things up. A great people-watcher, Sandra loves to study people in motion, whether she is sipping a latte at a cafe in her neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, or taking Trevor out for a walk. Sandra's art is a refreshing look at things that comfort us. Many of her paintings also possess quite a whimsical edge with subtle messages that will amuse you as well as make you think.
In 2018, Sandra's travels brought her to NYC, where she has lived ever since. In many ways, the move was a life-changing experience. By far, the Big Apple was the most diverse city that Sandra had lived in, up to that point. As an artist and a person, Sandra was inspired by the various ethnic groups and cultures that she interacted with as well as the freedom with which the NYC community expresses themselves visually. All of the different ( and sometimes outrageous ) clothes, tattoos and hairstyles totally made an impression on Sandra, changing what she drew and how she colored her work in both subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
In addition to her own creations, Sandra is also accepting commissions. The process is quite simple and straightforward. Just get in touch with the artist and she'll ask a few questions and listen very carefully to what you are looking for. The more details the better. And, Sandra, besides being very genuine and personable, is a great listener. Her response time, for inquiries by email or phone, is swift and there is no consultation fee.
In closing, Aplez.com asked Sandra what the future holds for her brand. She's got a ton of goals that she wants to reach; that much is for certain. And, knowing how hard-working this talented artist is, don't bet against Sandra. " At some point, I would like to expand my brand with some cute stuff for pets such as bandanas with my designs on them. A portion of sales would go to organizations that help animals like the Humane Society. I also plan to open up a coffee shop; one with an extra room where artists can work and sip coffee or tea as well as, if possible, a playground in the back for dogs. As you can see, I love working with and helping animals. I can't think of anything that's more satisfying."
Currently, one of the things that Sandra is most excited about is a very special exhibition of her work at The Grey Dog restaurant. Located at 90 University Place, just off Union Square, The Grey Dog has achieved quite a stellar reputation for having some delicious food and innovative, thirst-quenching drinks. Now, as an added bonus, around 8 to 10 pieces of Sandra's art will adorn the restaurant's walls for a limited time. By the way, The Grey Dog is a pet-friendly establishment, so do not hesitate to bring along your furry pal. And, who knows, you might get lucky and see Sandra and Trevor on the premises.
Contact Information for SANDRA JOCKUS:
email:
website: www.sandrajockus.com
Instagram: @sandrajockus
Twitter : @sandrajockus
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