Cotys Winston-Sandefur, born and raised in Oakland CA, creates work that reflects her belief in the transformative power of art and the subconscious. She often uses charcoal and collage to explore themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience through pattern. She received her BA in Art from the University of California, Davis and her MFA from Maharishi International University. She currently teaches as an art professor for American River College in Sacramento, CA. She has exhibited her work nationally at venues like Oak Park Art Gallery in Chicago IL, The Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles CA, and the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art in Davis CA.

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In my recent work, I use the tactile nature of charcoal to explore the complexities between life and death, the conscious and subconscious, the microcosm and macrocosm; refining my understanding of “Self” and “Us”.

I have experimented with various textures and intensities of charcoal to create patterns while also implementing various levels of depth. This dual engagement of encompassing space physically through expansion and mentally through intricate visual representation, allows me to create a deeper sense of immersion. Binding elements of nature, heritage, and pattern together to create intense, complicated spaces.

-CWS