Sandra Gaidelė is both a psychologist and an artist, uniquely fusing her professional expertise with her creative interests. Although her main occupation centers on words and understanding the human psyche, she seeks balance and serenity through watercolor painting. This artistic pursuit provides her with a respite from the pressures of language and analysis, enabling her to express herself visually instead of verbally.
For Sandra, creating art with watercolors is an essential way to retreat from daily life. She finds comfort in the calm rhythm of painting, distancing herself from the rigors of her psychological work. The flowing, unpredictable nature of watercolor draws her in, offering a meditative experience in which control blends with acceptance of the unforeseen. This interplay between intentionality and spontaneity reflects the emotional landscapes she navigates within her therapeutic sessions.
Her experiences as a therapist deeply inform the way she approaches art. By engaging with clients in therapy, she gains a wider perspective that she weaves into her creative endeavors. The relationship between therapy and painting enriches her enjoyment of creation and teaches her the value of relinquishing control. Art and therapy, intertwined, provide her with a sense of harmony and mutual reinforcement in her life.
Sandra’s artistic identity is closely tied to her use of watercolor. She characterizes it as whimsical, emphasizing its unpredictable qualities. Through watercolor, she experiences a dance between deliberate choices and the surprising outcomes the medium delivers. This process encourages her to cherish both the artistic journey and its unexpected turns, embracing her dual identity as both psychologist and artist.
About this artwork+
The painting displays a pair of old, weathered windows set in a rustic, textured wall bathed in warm, orange and earthy tones. Both windows are arched, framed by fading red architraves, adding a hint of vibrancy and contrast. The window on the left is closed, with its wooden shutters battered and showing signs of wear, suggesting a history of exposure to the elements. The right window, slightly larger, is partially open, with a translucent curtain veiling the view inside, while the upper part reveals a reflection and hints of an interior setting. Subtle details such as cracks in the wall, peeling paint, and the uneven surface texture contribute to a sense of aged beauty and the passage of time. The overall ambiance conjured by the painting is one of nostalgic decay and the quiet charm of forsaken places.
