Shawn Sanders

Shawn Sanders is a Bay Area artist whose practice spans painting, ceramics, jewelry, and bookmaking. His images are often arrived at through a layering process: coils of wire, strips of canvas, or thin slabs of clay are arranged in geometric compositions and coated in jewel toned paint and glaze. Many of Sanders's abstract motifs refer to what he describes as the “dark obscured contents of the universe — what’s out there?” Other works feature tender and expressive portraits, including a recent book of NIAD community members drawn from life, which was displayed at the 2024 SFMOMA Small Press Book Bazaar.

Sanders joined NIAD Art Center in 2021. His work has since been featured in exhibitions at Et al. in San Francisco, Chico Art Center, and the Oakland Museum of California. One of Sanders's unique artist's books was acquired for the SFMOMA Library collection. 

Shawn Sanders joined the NIAD community in 2021. He credits his mother for encouraging his natural artistic talent, stating, “My mother got me into art. I started coloring and painting. When I got here [to NIAD], I had never done ceramics before but nobody believes me. They say it looks like I’ve been doing it for years.”

Shawn’s works often include imprinted or carved eyes and a palette of deep, jeweled colors. When asked what themes he likes to explore within his art, he responded, “Dark obscured contents of the universe—what’s out there? I do ceramics, jewelry and painting, but right now I like ceramics the most. I get here and start from scratch. However it comes out, that’s how it comes out. I would rather do my own thing, being free to make anything in my head.”

“I’ve always wanted to make something that’s different, like I just did a spaceship, and I am doing totem poles and masks right now. I also made a platter for my mom. I thank my mom for getting me into art. It’s fun, relaxing.”