Sondra N. Arkin graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1984.

For more about the artist, visit her webpage at www.sondranarkin.com.

The power of abstract art lies in its ability to stir the eyes and the mind without the use of easily recognized imagery. Sondra Arkin's paintings touch the viewer directly and with an energy that commands attention. "Much of my work is about layers," Arkin explains. "My painting stems from a belief that our lives consist of overlapping moments that we work to organize—moments of reflection, sadness, disquiet, joy, and ultimately, I hope, of harmony. These are the layers that create a rich and valuable life."

Arkin approaches her art in much the same manner—by delicately balancing a variety of forces that might otherwise be in conflict. Her compositions are carefully structured, but they are not rigid. She often uses vibrant colors, but she applies them in a series of layers that gives them a meditative softness. Her recent work in encaustic underscores the dichotomy between vibrancy and softness of color. They have a translucency that is reminiscent of the artist’s earlier work in watercolor and oil pastel, but they are bolder and have more complex energy.

In the past year, the artist has broken free of the strictures that confine most painters to a plane lying parallel to the wall. Although, some of her works still take this more traditional path, others have a more sculptural feel. Arkin stacks, assembles, and pierces boxes and other constructions, applying layers of medium or wax and bits of string, wire, printed text, copper leaf, and other common materials. The new works are experiments in the effects on color of texture, shadow, reflection, and light.

All the elements in the artist’s creations are important, but color plays the lead role (with texture as its romantic foil). All the rest is a supporting cast. Arkin's primary aim is to explore color’s ability to produce an emotional effect. Often, she extends the experiment beyond the confines of an individual work by creating polyptychs that speak in concert to create flow, extend scale, and enhance dialogue.

In her work, Arkin asks us to explore how the work makes us feel, and to ask others about its impact on them. It is meant to promote introspection and interaction. By doing so, it adds to the layers of experience that influence our lives.

Arkin received her M.A. from FAU in 1984. She is a frequent exhibitor at the Nevin Kelly Gallery.