Theda Sandiford
Kingshill, VI
Mixed-media installation artist based in St Croix USVI and Jersey City, NJ.
MessageTheda Sandiford is a highly regarded artist known for her unique approach to fiber and installation art. Drawing inspiration from the profound impact of racial trauma, she skillfully combines various fibers and found materials using techniques such as weaving, coiling, knotting, and jewelry-making. The materials she meticulously gathers, along with contributions from the community, serve as a representation of collective memory, forming what she terms "social fabric." This fusion of contemporary issues with personal narratives results in a vibrant tapestry of interconnected stories.
Central to Theda's artistic process is community art-making. She orchestrates diverse experiences that unite people through sound and artistry, providing a platform to explore themes such as equity, inclusion, sustainability, and personal well-being.
Theda's work has been showcased globally in prestigious venues such as World of Threads, Expo Chicago, 154NY, Untitled Art Fair, SPRING/BREAK ART SHOW, Governor's Island NYC, New Jersey Arts Annual, and the American Contemporary Craft: National Juried Exhibition. She has received acclaim in Excellence in Fibers VI and Fiber VIII from Fiber Art Now, as well as the 2020 Jersey City Arts Visual Artist Award, the 2021 Fellowship in Craft from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the 2022 Jersey City Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship. Theda has also been selected as a Fellow for the 2023-24 National of Leaders of Color Fellowship program.
Statement
Using personal conflict as a starting point, I juxtapose various fibers with a variety of found materials using free form weaving, coiling, knotting, wrapping and jewelry making techniques. Meticulously collected materials, transformed by their collective memory become “social fabric” weaving together contemporary issues and personal narratives.
Community art making is also key to my process. Multi-disciplinary experiences pairing people, food, wine, music and art, create a safe space to explore themes such as equity & inclusion, sustainability and personal wellbeing.