Interview with Meredith Sand Designs
Artist Meredith Sand began her creative journey with vintage stamps and a pack of Strathmore cards, eventually evolving her hand-stamped designs into textiles, prints, and paper goods. In this interview, she shares how embracing imperfections helped define her offbeat, original style.
Tell us about your practice:
I started experimenting with printmaking in 2012 with a set of Strathmore Creative Cards in the smaller Announcement size and a set of vintage animal stamps. Over time, I wanted to create my own stamps to be more reflective of my personal style. I started drawing images that would fit onto the small sized card and taught myself how to carve rubber using some basic tools.
Eventually, my medium has expanded beyond cards. I began creating large format prints with my designs, which I then started to apply to other paper products, like wrapping paper and wallpaper. I also apply the patterns to a variety of textiles, including dish towels, pillows and tote bags. Almost every item is hand stamped by me, so you are always purchasing an original piece of art.
How and when did you get into art?
I started painting at a young age and always enjoyed making things out of various mediums. I also did photography, ceramics, coloring, collage and woodworking throughout the years. High school was when I started seriously considering perusing art, taking more electives and applying to art school. I sold in a local gallery, just for fun, but never took it took it to a professional level until my late 30’s.
What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve created? Why?
This was a collaboration with my dear friend, Sarah Hanna. We originally had a completely different vision, but after almost finishing it, we painted over it all and came up with this. It’s much more organic and abstract than the original scene we were trying to depict, and it represents both of our styles with balance.
What’s the best piece of art advice you’ve been given?
Embrace the mistakes. A lot of times, I make a mistake in a project but there’s already so much time invested in the work, I just push through and try to alter the design in a way that makes it look intentional. It usually ends up creating a sort of “signature look” of being slightly offbeat, which has become my aesthetic over time.
What’s one art tip/technique you can share with us that you find really helpful?
Like a lot of artists, I suffered from imposter syndrome. I never believed what I was doing was really considered “art” and I never believed I was an “artist.” My work never seemed right to me, and I would get discouraged easily. Now, I embrace the mistakes and fully own them, almost intentionally.
What is your favorite Strathmore paper? Why?
Strathmore Ivory Creative Cards in Announcement Size with a Deckle Edge. The paper is refined to the touch - smooth and velvety, but a little contradictory with the torn deckle edge, leaving it slightly “unfinished” looking. The ivory color is subtly beautiful and they absorb ink perfectly.
What’s the most common art-related question you get from your followers, and what’s the answer?
Lately, people have been asking me, “who is your biggest competition?” I never know what to say because as an artist, I’m not competitive, I’m more collaborative. I like mixing different styles and mediums and experimenting with others. Since I don’t see others as my competition, I guess the only person I’m really trying to please is myself, which can be the most challenging of all.
Tell us about your retail store.
After 12 years in the business, I opened a retail location in Orlando. Meredith Sand Designs Studio + Gallery features fine art showcasing local talent, while also providing a collaborative work environment for me and my clients. People love to be included in the design process and to watch it be made ultimately leaves you with a memorable experience, not just a product.
Meredith is a mom to Jack (11) and Kate (8) who are her ultimate inspiration.
