Sarah Renzi Sanders conjures a complex feeling of nostalgia—painful, warm, and delicate—through an excavation of memories, sometimes placing objects from childhood in her paintings as artifacts of previous versions of herself. She often feels vulnerable in her work, a sense of intimacy she hopes translates to the viewer. Using layers of watered-down acrylic, Renzi Sanders creates the perception of some hidden part of the mind through a series of symbols. The third eye and masks are repeated as symbols of revealing and hiding authenticity, and textural elements such as cracks to express feelings of breakthrough and brokenness. The artist also uses embroidery thread and fabric to stitch details directly on the canvas. The works address the artist's personal struggle with mental health and anxiety, as well as the masks one is conditioned to wear to hide these. Her art is a form of storytelling, allowing the artist to tell the truth from her perspective. She intends to connect with the viewer through sharing her vulnerability and give hope to those who may be struggling through the discovery of the buried parts of one's self.
All of Myself.
Acrylic mixed media, gouache, embroidery thread, and gold leaf on canvas.
48x60 inches.
2020
Through the Looking Glass.
Acrylic mixed media, gouache, embroidery thread, and gold leaf on canvas.
24x36 inches.
2020
There's No Place Like Home.
Acrylic mixed media, gouache, embroidery thread, glitter, and gold leaf on canvas.
36x48 inches
2020
Unseen.
Acrylic mixed media, gouache, flashe, and embroidery thread on canvas.
48x60 inches.
2021
Annunciation.
Acrylic mixed media, gouache, sequins, embroidery thread, and gold leaf on canvas
36x48 inches
2021
Madonna of the Minivan.
Acrylic mixed media, embroidery thread, lace, and gold leaf on linen
40x30 inches
2020
Silent Scream.
Acrylic mixed media, gouache, glitter, graphite, embroidery thread, and gold leaf on canvas
30x40 inches
2021
Ma's House.
Acrylic mixed media, gouache, graphite, embroidery thread, and gold leaf on canvas
30x40 inches
2020
Light as a Father, Stiff as a Board.
Acrylic mixed media, lace, embroidery thread, and gold leaf on canvas
30x40 inches
2020
In Between.
Acrylic mixed media, gouache, embroidery thread on canvas.
36x48 inches.
2021