About MAKS Creation

My Story

 I have been drawn to the visual arts for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I loved to draw cartoon characters and paint with my mother. My grandmother gave me a book filled with masterpieces by great artists throughout history. I remember paging through that book for hours.

So, it was not surprising that my major in college was visual arts. I graduated from UCSB with my degree, realizing I would need a more practical way to support myself. I was accepted into the credential program at UCSB and earned my teaching credential for Art. Eventually, after a few years of subbing, I was hired for a teaching job in a middle school. I taught that age group for 30 years!

 I was a successful art teacher, creating a gallery-type experience for my students at open houses and winning many top awards at the L.A. County Fair. When I was teaching, I poured all my creativity into teaching my students. There was little time for my work!

 When I retired, I suddenly had lots of time and many things I wanted to do! I love all types of Art, including clay and painting with watercolor, pastels, and oils. Most recently, I started working on silk painting. It has been my joy to use my creativity in my work again!

 All of my silks are one-of-a-kind pieces. The kimonos and ponchos are hand-drawn, resisted with gutta, and painted with original designs. Some of the work is done very quickly using wet-on-wet designs. Others are so detailed that it takes weeks to finish one piece. Each is a creation coming from my heart and soul. All my artwork expresses color, life, and the beauty of our precious planet. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I enjoy creating them!

 Thank you with Love and Peace!
Mary Ann Keeshen Sandlin
MAKS