BIOGRAPHY
​For many artists, the act of creating art is more than just putting paintbrushes on canvas – it is a higher calling. Sandra Dopson is one of those artists for whom painting is not only a form of release and therapy but a spiritual necessity.
“It’s a spiritual journey – It’s a journey of self-discovery,” says Dopson. “Because while you’re painting, there’s an inner teacher. In that process, you learn about yourself.”
Although Dopson has been painting professionally for over thirty years, her journey began when she was just a child. The fascination she felt for the images she saw in storybooks and puzzles instilled in her the dream of becoming an artist. After receiving a Distinction in O’Levels in high school, she built a reputation for herself as one of the most respected and sought-after artists in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dopson is best known for her nostalgic scenes of old houses, coconut trees, bamboo, and country roads. She’s dabbled variations of pointillism and impressionism, never landing too long on any one style to let herself get boxed in. Her work has been featured in several group exhibitions for institutions such as the Horizons Art Gallery, Savanna Art Gallery, and the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT).
Dopson’s paintings have changed over the years to reflect her life circumstances. Whereas in the beginning many of her pieces reflected somber tones, her spiritual journey has led her to include greater amounts of light. In fact, the playful dichotomy between light and dark is one of Dopson’s favorite themes to explore. For example, her acrylic painting Under the Shade makes light a central theme. Its portrayal of a flamboyant tree in full blossom providing shade from the harsh rays of the sun shows the life-giving nature of both sun and shade.
In her colorful paintings of nostalgic Trinidad and Tobago landmarks, Dopson celebrates the unique life of her country with respectful reverence. She’s featured beautiful paintings of fishermen and rustic buildings that represent the life and culture of Trinidad and Tobago – one of her paintings has even featured the popular Magnificent Seven buildings around the Queen’s Park Savannah. By representing her country in such a unique and artistic way, Dopson cements her place as an integral piece of the culture of Trinidad and Tobago.
Whether you’re a long-time follower of Dopson or you’re just discovering her for the first time, you’ll be sure to find much to love within her repertoire of paintings. She is currently working towards an exhibition where she’ll feature more of her acrylic and oil works. In the meantime, it’s easy to take inspiration from her art and her words of wisdom for other artists.
“Be true to yourself,” says Dopson. “Be open to criticism, especially within yourself. And see the connection between yourself and what you’re doing, because everything we do reflects something about ourselves – what we’re supposed to do and what we fail to do.”
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