Sandra Storey

Sandra Storey’s work weaves together printmaking, drawing, and painting, utilising the parallels between these mediums to highlight her concepts. A key theme in her work is the interplay between the permanence of attachments and memories of landscapes and an increasing concern for the fragility of the natural world. Her pieces reflect the tension between enduring memories and the precariousness of nature, exploring the impact of environmental change on both physical and emotional landscapes. "I always want my work to make me feel alive and connected to other people and to always make me feel like I’m learning something new about the world and about myself, keeping that connection with the landscape and communities," Sandra shares.

Artistic Background
Born and raised in a small village outside Whitby, North Yorkshire, Sandra was introduced to art through the encouragement of her father, who inspired her to observe the natural world differently, especially the landscapes surrounding their home. After completing O-level and A-level art, Sandra pursued a foundation course in York before earning a degree in Fine Art. Following her degree, she trained as an Art Psychotherapist, dedicating over 30 years to the NHS before continuing in private practice. In 2016, she completed an MA in Creative Practice, graduating with Distinction and The Dean’s Prize (Art and Design) from Harrogate College. Her career includes a residency at Whitby Museum in 2015, where the artefacts and local history resonated with her childhood memories, shaping her exploration of memory, archiving, and the significance of personal objects in her art.

Sandra's connection to Yorkshire, particularly Whitby and the coastline, deeply influences her art. Her work is a blend of personal memory, mythological features of the landscape, and a concern for environmental fragility. Growing up surrounded by North Yorkshire’s rugged landscapes, she draws on the region's natural beauty and its mythical qualities, with a special focus on storytelling through her art. Sandra also finds inspiration in historical artefacts and personal objects, which she explored during her artist residency at Whitby Museum, further deepening her interest in archiving and memory.

Sandra was a finalist in the 2020/2021 Scott Creative Arts Foundation (SCAF) Emerging Artist Awards. She found the experience transformative, not only in terms of exposure but also for the connections she built with fellow artists. "It's potentially so isolating being an artist, so it’s also really good to have those communities. I think to feel validated by something like SCAF is great," she reflects. The award provided her with invaluable recognition within the local art community, helping her to build relationships that have continued to shape her artistic journey.