Elizabeth Sanford

I was born in Nashville, Tennessee and grew up exploring the neighborhood woods; now I create visual fairy tales and natural abstractions inspired by woodland walks, childhood memories, and dreams. My work thrives in the boundaries between disciplines, combining painting, sculpture, book arts, installation, story-telling, and multi-sensory community art events. Layered colors and shapes, along with explorations of space, light, and shadow are my favorite elements. Wonder, mystery, and surprise are my elusive quarries. Partially hidden figures and text are additional recurring features. My pieces change and take on a life of their own through audience participation; how the story ends is up to the viewer.

My award-winning work is in many collections, including the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Vanderbilt University, Ringling College of Art and Design, Emory University, and Savannah College of Art and Design. I received an MFA from East Carolina University and have been teaching art for more than thirty years, including a long career at Watkins College of Art. In addition, I’m honored to be part of the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Creative Aging Teaching Artist Roster.

I share my love of the woods in my art and teaching as well as on guided walks as a certified guide with ANFT, the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. 

For more information, visit: https://tnartscommission.org/creative-aging-teaching-roster/elizabeth-sanford/

https://www.natureandforesttherapy.earth/