In Studio: Dorothea Sandra

Polymath painter Dorothea Sandra is a visual artist and author based in Rogers City, MI. Raised by struggling artists, Sandra initially avoided a creative career, but when she returned to painting on her own terms, she made a name for herself in the space.

As a certified evidence-based design artist, Sandra uses research in neuroscience to inform her art, creating pieces designed to elicit positive emotions and support well-being in high-stress environments.

Sandra honors her Northern Woodlands Native American and French-Métis heritage through vibrant floral motifs of the Great Lakes region, while also creating modern abstract art focused on smart city technology and environmental sustainability.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a professional artist. 

I am a prolific polymath painter, and my journey to becoming a professional artist has been an interesting one. I come from a family of artists; my cousin restored historical paintings for museums in New England, and my son is an accomplished graphic designer, so I grew up in a creative environment.

My parents were equally talented, although they never had successful professional artistic careers. Their art-related instabilities and financial struggles encouraged me to steer clear of a career in art. It wasn’t until I felt completely happy and secure with myself that I decided to paint professionally again.

Within months of exhibiting my art, I was noticed and began selling my work locally, nationally, and internationally.

Today, I’m showing work in ninety-two international art curations while selling hundreds of paintings each year.

Tell us about your work. 

As a polymath painter, I create many different types of art, but all of my work is a reflection of who I am. It’s a very personal process.

As a certified evidence-based design artist, I ground my designs in medical and scientific research. My goal is to create art that triggers “happy chemicals,” like dopamine, in the brain. I’ve been proud to see my works in these series on the cover of Healthcare Design Magazine, in Condé Nast’s House & Garden Magazine, featured in ninety-two international art curations, and sold throughout the USA and in Hong Kong, France, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, and more. Art can trigger real physiological responses, and it’s always exciting to see my pieces recognized for their impact.

Many of my works also respond to my Northern Woodlands Native American and French-Métis heritage, featuring modern subject matter inspired by the Great Lakes. I enjoy connecting with the local communities through familiar subject matter such as floral patterns representative of the regional landscape. I distribute cards with these works in the Museum of Ojibwa Culture, which sits on Lake Huron in Saint Ignace, Michigan.

I also create very modern abstract art centered on themes of smart city technology and sustainability, as it helps me express my passion for our planet. It’s amazing how art can serve as a tool for advocacy and communicate a greater message–I’ve been fortunate enough to have this work recognized at the 2025 Sustainability Research and Innovation International Congress in Chicago.

When you are looking for inspiration, what resources do you turn to? 

When I paint, I connect with the deepest parts of my soul, so when I need inspiration, it often comes from within. When other artists ask me for advice, I tell them to be wary of shaping themselves after other artists, and rather to find their own artistic calling that makes them unique. 

What advice do you have for staying productive and focused as an artist?

Since I often saw my very artistically talented parents struggle as professional artists, I tried to avoid following in their footsteps. When I decided to pursue my art full-time, I set up my studio as a functional working space that would ultimately set me up for success. For me, having everything I need within easy access helps keep my rhythms productive.

What is your advice for combating creative blocks? 

I am a polymath, meaning I don’t confine myself to one path or specialty, so I don’t often suffer from creative blocks. I do, however, have to handle my stress levels. When I find myself stressed, I take what I call a “positive active” break. This could be taking a walk, talking to friends, or getting a snack.

As an artist, how do you measure your success? 

I credit my first professional milestone to a finance executive from Arizona, who vacationed in this tiny Michigan town with his wife. While exploring the area, they walked past the gallery and delighted in the art displayed in the windows, but as it happened to be a Sunday, the gallery was closed.

This didn’t stop him, as his wife was enamored by the art showcase, and he called the gallery on Monday to buy five of my paintings as her birthday gift. It was so special to see such a positive response to my work.

What advice do you have for artists who are beginning to build their careers? 

The best advice I can give an emerging creative is to get to know yourself as an artist and work hard at your career. I consider myself both an artist and an entrepreneur, and I attribute my successes to relentless hard work. I didn’t sit back and wait to be discovered; I made the effort and always went the extra mile.

Do you have advice for overcoming setbacks and staying resilient in the face of challenges?

As I began my career, I experienced quite a bit of criticism from other artists. I’m able to look back now and be both proud and grateful that I didn’t listen to them and continued on my path. My art has connected with so many people, which never would have been possible if I had quit in the face of criticism.

Since my subject matter is unique, I have found myself surrounded by people who have diverse and very interesting understandings of art. The bold and sometimes unconventional perspectives allowed me to excel and discover my path as an artist.

What sparked your interest in partnering with TurningArt?

The TurningArt team is very professional, and I enjoy partnering with a group that shares an understanding of evidence-based design. I believe my evidence-based approach to art appeals to TurningArt clients, particularly within the healthcare industry, and I am excited to be supporting this work with an upcoming publication: 100 Days of Happy Happy Art, Evidence-Based Design.

What does having your artwork in public spaces mean to you? 

Art is a proven tool for designing spaces that support wellbeing. It means a lot to know that my work is bringing moments of joy across the globe and in many different types of spaces. Particularly, I enjoy knowing my art may be making a difference in high-stress environments such as healthcare spaces. While my art is a career and therefore part of my goals must be supporting myself and making a profit, it’s equally important and rewarding to make an impact in people’s daily lives.

Was there ever a moment of clarity about being an artist? 

Though my talent was recognized early on and I was trained in painting growing up, there were many moments where I was sure I did not want to pursue an art career. Even with talent and training, making it as an artist is not easy. It requires great commitment and a thoughtful, dedicated approach. When I ultimately decided to commit to an artistic path, I had already done the soul-searching that allowed me to move forward with stability and joy.

How does being an artist affect your perception of the world? 

I believe I see the world differently as an artist, and I see this as a great advantage. I avoid comparing myself to others, and instead focus on nurturing and exhibiting my best, brightest qualities.

Have other artists inspired your path? 

As a child, I was interested in the great masters. Throughout my studies, Leonardo da Vinci fascinated me most.

What is most meaningful to you about being an artist?

All the time, people tell me how happy my art makes them feel. It brings me immense joy to know my art is touching lives in this way, and I’m grateful to be able to bring moments of comfort and happiness to so many places.

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