GCU Art Gallery Hosts Free “Indigenous Impressions” Exhibit

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 30, 2013—Sandra Thwaites’ keen passion for travel and exploration, particularly Africa, Asia, and Australasia, has led this nurse-midwife to translate the work of indigenous cultures around the world into a series of acrylic paintings, each with its own message.

“Dabbing paint onto canvas, I mix the images from a specific global region to create an impression that can be identified in bold lines, using only two colors to promote its simplicity,” says the Toms River artist.

Ms. Thwaites’ exhibit, “Indigenous Impressions” will be on display October 7–31 in Georgian Court University’s M. Christina Geis Art Gallery. There will be an artist’s reception on Tuesday, October 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the gallery.

During her travels, Ms. Thwaites describes herself as always having “a scruffy sketchbook shoved into in old bag” to allow her to make quick drawings of the items that capture her attention—everything from a vibrant temple statue to a Chinese paper-cut animal—all of which depict ancient cultures, traditions, or beliefs.

“I act as the messenger, using visual expression to promoting indigenous art forms,” she says, noting that she is intrigued by the variety of locally grown traditional materials used to create the unique art forms she depicts.

“Ms. Thwaites’ work includes a wide range of bold figurative work with a globally influenced imagery,” says Leo Morrissey, associate professor and chair of the GCU Department of Art. “The global aspect of this body of work offers will enrich each viewer’s experience of the art."

The M. Christina Geis Art Gallery spotlights works of established and up-and-coming artists in diverse media. The gallery is located on the second floor of the Arts and Science Center on Georgian Court’s Lakewood campus. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All exhibits are free and open to the public; no reservations are required. For more information, call Kathleen Settles, gallery director, at 732.987.2388.

About Sandra Thwaites
Sandra Thwaites received a degree in nursing, specializing in midwifery, in England, which led to a career path around the world. She worked as a midwife in New Zealand, where she was able to study the art style of the Maori people. As a nurse working in Hong Kong, she traveled into China, exploring the many temples and characteristic art forms of Beijing. She has also traveled extensively in Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific. In addition to her medical training, Ms. Thwaites has taken art and design courses in England, France, and the United States. She is a member of both the Royal Academy of Art in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Visit www.indigenousimpressions.com to see more of Ms. Thwaites’ work.