Artsy Gemini is Sandy Sappington-Broschat.

I live in beautiful northern California. I have been happily married to my husband and best friend for almost 23 years. I have 4 wonderful grown children , three of them living also in northern California and one stationed in Germany for the army. The only baby I still have at home is my constant shadow, my 5 year old dog Uno. Only my family and dog come higher on my list of ‘loves and passion’ next to art. I have been doing art in one form or another since as long as I can remember. I started taking classes in high school and college. Over the years I have taught classes and enjoyed doing art with others. I traveled to art and craft shows over the years as well as selling my work in shops in our former home community.

After a work related injury, I was no longer able to travel and do shows. I then was introduced to the world of Artist Trading Cards and trading art on the internet. I was able to use my love of drawing, collage work and altered art. I enjoy painting, but drawing and collage have always been my favorite. I am often trying new mediums and that is how I became interested in ‘altered art’. Taking vintage items and photos and blending them in a collage style is probably my most frequent ‘style’ if I had to pick one. I often incorporate my own drawings into the altered art and collage work. Nothing is more exciting to me then being able to use my love of ‘collecting’ vintage photos and items and using them in an art project. Giving an old object a new way for expression is something I love to do. I still trade with international artists as well as selling my work in an Etsy gallery. I never tire of doing art.

We recently moved to another area and I have the luxury of my own special art room. With my children all grown I was able to transform an extra bedroom into a place for me to make huge messes on projects and not have to worry about clean up until I am finished. My room is not a ‘pretty’ room, but I have all of my years of ‘collecting’ lots of art supplies and such, organized and ready at hands reach. I have covered the walls, ceiling and some of the shelves with what I feel inspires me. I have art from my kids over the years, art that I have done, my hubby’s beautiful photos as well as prints of some of my favorite famous artists. Anything that makes me smile or reflect , like my Raggedy Ann dolls, fairies, jesters, angels and gifts from family and friends.

I really believe when you are in a place that makes you happy you will be free to let your artwork flow and grow. My main goal with my artwork is to have the satisfaction of knowing that something I make and design has made someone smile and continue to enjoy it for a long time.

Artsy Gemini on Etsy