Creative expression is central to Sandra's being, and was wisely nurtured by her parents. At a young age, they commissioned her first masterpiece, a scenic winter view painted on their living room wall. She also credits her parents with encouraging her through their personal example of following their own creative pursuits. Her father, a certified tree arborist and wildlife lover, is known for his naturalistic landscapes and innovative wood creations. Her mother, along with being a registered nurse, was a prolific seamstress, knitter and cake decorator. Their love for nature and creativity was passed to their daughter.

"I grew up in a time when children played outside and learned to make their own fun. Those years of bird watching, tree climbing and drawing in the dirt have proven foundational in developing the faculties that serve my painting. Money just wasn't there to buy everything we needed so we learned to be innovative, to do things with our hands and think outside the box."

Graduating from Mount Holyoke College Phi Beta Kappa, and Magnum Cum Laude, Sandra has benefited from excellent educators and fellow artists past and present. Foremost, she is grateful to Edith Wilkes, Chris DiDomizio, Margot Trout, Nancy Campbell, Marion Miller, Richard Schmid, N.C. Wyeth, John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, Caravaggio and Rembrandt. She also acknowledges AT&T, one of her first employers, who recognized her artistic talent, and developed a graphic artist position specifically for her.

After college, Sandra married her beloved husband, Stuart, and moved to Georgia and North Carolina for 15 years. This time uniquely grafted her family together with Shira, Stuart's daughter, and their sons, Isaac and Daniel through adoption. Family has again brought her back to her roots in Massachusetts where her studio is currently located.

Throughout history, artists have proved to be prophets of their times. Ultimately, it is Sandra's hope that her art will have a quiet power to enhance not only the viewer, but the very culture we live in.