About the Artist-  Sandra Gustafson  

For over 25 years, Sandra Gustafson has been exhibiting her artwork in Des Moines, Iowa. She began her journey with large acrylic abstracts, but 17 years ago, her artistic path took an unexpected and deeply personal turn. During a high-risk pregnancy that required bed rest, Sandra found herself confined to a hospital room with limited space and materials. It was there that she discovered gouache and ink—mediums that allowed her to create within her physical constraints while opening up a new visual language.

This period of transformation reshaped not just her process but her perspective. Using tape to define boundaries, she would apply water and ink to the paper and wait—allowing the materials to unfold in their own way. The work became a metaphor for her experience: surrendering control, trusting the process, and witnessing something new take form. Out of this moment of stillness and limitation, a more intimate, contemplative style was born.

Sandra’s pieces are ethereal and intuitive, inviting the viewer into a quiet space of reflection. Each work offers room for personal interpretation—echoing the way they are created: with intention, openness, and a willingness to listen.

When she's not in her studio, Sandra works as a realtor. While art and real estate may seem like opposing pursuits, she has found a meaningful connection between them. She often creates original artwork for her clients, weaving creativity into her professional life and offering a personal touch that reflects her values. Through all its forms, art remains the steady thread running through Sandra’s life—a source of joy, renewal, and connection.