Sandra’s journey as an artist is a testament to her unwavering authenticity. Her work in abstract expression is a bold declaration that doesn’t seek validation from the outside world.
Instead, it serves as a timeless canvas to immortalize her personal stories, experiences, and sources of inspiration.
Whether it’s yarn or glass, her chosen mediums are blank slates, ready to convey the urgent yet warm narratives she wishes to share. These narratives, in turn, transform into scripts for viewers to interpret in their own unique and personal ways.
Her art delves into the profound connections between humans and nature, giving birth to many artistic expressions. Sandra Keja-Planken’s latest collection, “Ode to the Sea,” beautifully illustrates this connection. Through her high-end yet raw weaving techniques and the intricate use of remnant glass, she embarks on new adventures and explores innovative techniques while retaining her distinct artistic identity
Ode al Mar
During Dutch Design Week at her Nomad gallery in Mesmerizing and Pan Amsterdam 2023, Keja-Planken unveiled her latest creation, “Ode al Mar.” This talented, self-taught artist and designer is renowned for her captivating and unconventional designs, unique collectibles, and daring interior concepts. Her deep love for nature and storytelling is at the heart of her collectible pieces, which also breathe life into her newest collection.
I NEED THE SEA BECAUSE IT TEACHES ME THE BEST I CAN BE.
Sandra
Among her fresh offerings are the enchanting “Heart of Glass” mini blue vessel, the exquisite “Coral Floral” passementerie pendant, and the intricate “Coral Beauty” passement and glass wall hanging, all crafted from leftover textiles. However, the real showstopper is her “Ocean Wave Weave” tapestry, weaving together recycled clothing yarns from Wolkat and Pet and remnant yarns and glass elements. The result is a vivid portrayal of natural forms, evoking the mesmerizing landscape of the ocean floor.
Evocative compositions
In the world of Keja-Planken, her art is a dance between humanity and the natural world, a celebration of the delicate and the strong. After years of shaping interiors and championing nature’s cause, she gracefully transitioned into the realms of art and product design. Through her creations, she transforms her emotions and whispers messages into enchanting wall hangings and objects, extending a heartfelt invitation to all who behold them.
In her realm, soft, natural hues intertwine with the ethereal, merging with abstract shapes and the depths of the human soul. The result? A tapestry of vibrant and evocative compositions that are uniquely emblematic of diverse emotions and stories. Keja-Planken weaves her magic by crafting new yarns from old and recycled fibers, while also incorporating remnant glass fragments into her art, breathing life into fresh compositions that speak to the feminine soul.
Delve Deep
In her mesmerizing glass and textile art, Keja-Planken embarked on a creative journey with machines dating back to the 1800s or even earlier, guided by the expertise of the Textile Museum and Glass Museum. She has a knack for transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary, often using recycled clothing, reclaimed wool, leftover yarns, and fragments of shattered glass – making the most of whatever materials were within arm’s reach. Just as she once worked her magic with remnants of eucalyptus yarns, leftover wood from interior projects, and repurposed concrete, she now breathes life into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Keja-Planken’s artistic vision isn’t just about crafting beautiful objects; it’s a call to embrace sustainability and awaken personal awareness. Through each of her creations, she dissects new aspects of our world and offers her own reflections on them. With “Ode al Mar,” the designer skillfully portrays the ever-shifting state of the mind, akin to the unpredictable forces of nature, inviting us to accept nature as our eternal teacher. Her vibrant creations don’t merely ask to be observed; they beckon you to engage with them. Ultimately, they serve as little omens, representing nature, the universe, and life itself, urging us to approach life with an open mind, a sense of sensory play, and a hopeful outlook. In Keja-Planken’s world, it’s all about looking forward with optimism.
January popping and 2024
During the grey January month, Sandra will pop up in Amsterdam with a 2-day show for those who did not make it to Pan or DDW. Those seeking inspiration want to see Sandra or some of her Ode Al Mar works. She will happily explain all her work while enjoying some snacks and drinks.
In 2024, Sandra will focus on an art and plant artist in residence study while replanting plants, corals& mangroves. With a cheesy magical outcome, twining, blowing, planting, and weaving her new story and that of the ocean. Threading the line between art and nature objects.
