Theda Sandiford
http://www.misstheda.com

Where are you from and how does that play into your work?  
I was born in Queen’s NY, grew up in Westchester and have lived in Puetro Rico, Cincinnati, Boston, Nairobi, LA, Atlanta and Jersey City. A piece of each city and the people I have met along the way are imprinted in my brain. As a collagist I am constantly pulling together different materials to create my naratitive. I often draw upon the diversity of my life experience in my work.

How are you different today as an artist/musician than you were 5 years ago?

5 years ago I wouldn’t have dreamed I would be in this show and be recognized for my visual self expression. I was stingy and kept my work to myself in a journal. It took posting my work on my Myspace page to break my insecurity and realize what a gift it is. I am taking on being fearless in this regard.

What qualities of your favorite artist that you admire the most?

What I like most about Salavdor Dali is that he was not afraid to express his dreams in his work and lets face it he had some trippy dreams.

What attributes help separate your from other artists?

I’m a self taught collagist that uses my work as a way to process who I am being at any given moment. My hopes, struggles, dreams and new realities I’m looking to create for my life.

What is the first thing your remember producing?

My first formal art project was an ash tray of fired clay, lovingly molded by my hand for my Dad when I was three or four. Even though he is not allowed to smoke in the house it still sits in my parents family room and makes me smile at its crude form and fingerprints imprinted in the gloss paint.

What event or events helped shape your style?

Growing up wanting my MTV, loving Keith Haring Swatches, having a crush on HR from Bad Brains, Red Grooms yearly installations @ Suny- Purchase in the 80’s, replaying Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” over and over to annoy my parents and the evolving nature of street art in all its forms, graffiiti, stickers, subway poster assemblages.

What challenges you?

My desire to have it all; my digital marketing business, time for adventures with friends and family, my creative pursuits and time alone each day versus my fear that I am afraid to fail.

What would be the ultimate accomplishment of your career?

I am focused on expanding my visual vocabulary while living for the day I book my first solo show and I am taking each day as it comes until that day arrives.

What hobby that you have people wouldn't guess you are into?

I am a lifestyle blogger (http://www.misstheda.com) and I host a wine and networking group in NYC called SuperNodes (http://superNodes.blogspot.com) or search and join our group on Facebook.

Where is art/music going next?

I’m a strong believer in social media. I see artists letting “friends” in on the creative process with the help of various web 2.0 tools like virtual art gallery widgets, robust photo sharing networks, live video streaming and micro-blogging.