Studio Visit | Sandra Spannan
Artist Spotlight • 6 March 2016
Sandra Spannan is a German-born artist who has lived in New York City since 1993. As a decorative artist, gilder and restorer, Sandra has developed a range of techniques that apply precious materials onto steel and wood panels. Her beautiful work can be seen everywhere from the private residences of Anderson Cooper and Tom Hanks to Balthazer and Ace Hotels.
In our recently completed project for the Holland America Line MS Koningsdam, we had the unique opportunity to collaborate on a site-specific work together for the Pinnacle Grill restaurant onboard. As a point of inspiration for the work, Sandra drew inspiration from the very material she works with.
“The choice of ‘precious metals’ such as 9-karat white gold, palladium, silver and 23-karat gold leaf bring history and powerful symbolism into the mix. Walnut, a very hard wood, is perfect for etching—its darkness a perfect foil for the bright leaf, constantly changing with the viewer’s movement.”
Sandra Spannan • Artist
Sandra Spannan work for the Pinnacle Grill onboard the Holland America Line MS Koningsdam
Sandra Spannan work for the Pinnacle Grill onboard the Holland America Line MS Koningsdam
Behind the Commission
What inspired Waves?
This artwork was created with its future location in mind. I imagined spending time on a giant ship surrounded by just water for days on end…just like the guests of the MS Koningsdam.
Waves has a unique style. What influenced and inspired its style?
I had visited Japan the year before—my brother lives there for over twelve years—and we visited many museums that feature gilded and painted screens and paintings. I brought back a suitcase filled with art books and have always been drawn to the precise perfectionism and details of Japanese arts and crafts.The image of this wave was inspired by the famous wood block print of the late Edo period Japanese artist Hokusai, known as The Great Wave off Kanagawa. It is Hokusai's most famous work and one of the most recognizable works of Japanese art in the world.
Well your inspiration isn’t the only historic element in Waves, your materials, Palladium Leaf on walnut, are also a bit historic.
Palladium Leaf brings history and powerful symbolism into the mix, because not only is it a very durable metal, but our supplier, Manetti, is a seventh-generation family business based in Firenze. Walnut is a very hard wood and perfect for etching. Its darkness serves as a perfect foil to the bright leaf, its reflection constantly changing with the viewer's movement. I love the fact that all the materials we used were made in Italy, along with the ship itself!
What do you aim to accomplish in your work?
I crave nature's beauty and seek to emulate and honor it in my work. Hopefully I provoke thoughts, feelings and actions regarding our collective responsibility to protect the environment.
Artist Sandra Spannan shares her unique process as she creates a site-specific work for Holland America Line MS Koningsdam.
