Scott Sandell (Born 1953) describes himself as a third generation abstract expressionist. He combines mixed media in his vibrant painted prints: lithographic printing techniques, woodblock, intaglio, photography, oil and acrylic paint are all employed. Since he began experimenting with multi-color printmaking in one press runs, printmaking has been an integral aspect of Sandell's artistic expression which he began while working and living in Minnesota and continued in 1982 after relocating to New York. Sandell often collages different formats and layers different elements to create effects in which separate techniques are worked into his pieces of art. One particularly striking characteristic is his use of natural fibers and tree bark which are visible on the surface of Japanese Kozo handmade paper. This manifests an organic surface in the work. His work is primarily abstract, although he includes recognizable themes that focus on the harmonious aesthetics of nature. Since 1977, Sandell's work has appeared in group and solo exhibitions throughout the United States including Christie's Contemporary Art, The Chicago Center for the Print, The Hudson River Museum, C.G. Rein Gallery, and Frick Art Museum.
His images are included in prestigious public collections including Prudential Insurance, The Walker Art Center, The Library of Congress, Sperry Univac, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Harvard University, Chrysler Museum, Chemical Bank, and Time Life/Warner. For many years his work focused on the idea of making a beautiful object. He was very much influenced by Japanese printmaking and the fact that he lived near the ocean. Using traditional printmaking techniques and tools, he combined images with abstraction from his daily experience.
