[ B I O G R A P H Y ]

Sandy Freckleton Gagon, born in Salt Lake City, Utah is a preeminent realist painter who, as do all great masters, carries on the traditions and canons of classical art ideology practiced from the Renaissance down through the 19th century. Her paintings and drawings demonstrate her virtuosity, a manifestation of technical excellence, which result in works of lasting beauty. Her knowledge of anatomy, color theory and design, facilitate her portrayal of the human condition, in all its complexities, with breathtaking elegance. Adept at all genres, her still life paintings excel at depicting her deep love of objects and how they are affected by light and shadow; they are metamorphic landscapes of symmetry and solemnity. Sandy Freckleton Gagon’s husband, Dave Gagon, is writer. They have three children.

[ S T A T M E N T ]

Artist Statement: As a contemporary realist, I uphold the traditions and canons of classical art ideology practiced from the Renaissance through the 19th century. My paintings and drawings reflect my relentless pursuit of technical excellence, driven by a deep love for anatomy, color theory, and design. These passions enable me to portray the human condition in all its vast complexities with stunning precision.

Among the various genres I explore, figurative and still life painting are my favorites. My still life compositions reveal my profound affection for objects and their interplay with light and shadow, creating metaphoric landscapes that speak to the viewer. The theme for this April 2025 exhibit is "Resilient!"—a reflection of the lasting impact of 2020 and 2021. These years have indelibly affected each of us, yet beauty continues to emerge and thrive even under adverse conditions. As we navigate the unknown together, our actions and choices reverberate within ourselves and shape how we treat others. My vision for this exhibit is to inspire creative joy and a renewal of strength and kindness.

a contePainting the human figure and still life has always been integral to my inspiration. My parents instilled in me a love for nature and honed my observation skills. As a child, we would often hike and search for ‘treasure’—rocks, nests, and seashells. These symbolic objects frequently appear in my still life paintings, which I consider metaphoric landscapes infused with personal feelings and rich symbolism.

A consistent narrative in my work encompasses resilience, hope, motherhood, harmony, beauty, and classical proportions. Through sacred geometry and classical design, I strive to foster a sensitivity to the natural world. I invite viewer participation through the multi-layers of symbolism and visual metaphors in my paintings.

I believe that great art is the sum of life’s small treasures. Like music, great art enlivens and strengthens, creating beauty, truth, balance, and harmony. It offers a universal kinesthetic experience—one I hope resonates deeply with the viewer.