Something In
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Site Updated 3/1/08
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Sandy Austin Stein
Sandy Austin Stein has won international acclaim for her unique style of painting people of different cultures. In 1995, her paintings of Native Americans were used in the set design for Robert Redford's HBO-television production of "Grand Avenue," a film based on a book by Greg Sarris. Her art has attracted collectors world-wide who appreciate her sense of vision and expression that symbolizes pride, wisdom and human dignity.
Sandy Stein's portrait of The
Determined One (see below) has been adapted to needlework by Barbara
Peterson of Something In Common. 
Follow this link to see the needlework chart of The
Determined One.
This is what Sandy had to
say about creating this artwork: "When I created The Determined One,
I remember seeing a little Native American boy crossing the street and thinking
how small, but determined he looked. Already he had acquired an inner
strength and confidence to be his own person. Walking proudly alone, he
appeared to me not as a follower, but a leader. Indirectly, I felt a sense
of connection with this child as I knew I needed those same qualities in my art
career to succeed. I would have to walk proudly, one step at a time, with
determination and confidence visualizing paintings."
Released in February, 2001 is the second adaptation of Sandy's
artwork by Barb Peterson. The original artwork is entitled, The
Surprise (see at right).
Follow this link to see the needlework chart of The
Surprise.
Quoting Sandy, "The
creation of The Surprise came from a vision of a Native American child.
With her tattered dress held together by safety pins, she looks with surprise,
as a butterfly lands on her shoulder. It's at moments like this that
nature and innocence come together. Many personal surprises were discovered by
Barbara Peterson, the designer, and myself. Barbara found an old photo of
herself 
and she looked so much like the little girl in The Surprise. Perhaps it
was her own innocent look of a time long ago that helped her choose my painting
as our next joint venture. I am grateful. Another coincidence led me
to paint a ragged edge on the child's sleeve in the shape of a heart. This
made me realize that we wear our heart on our sleeve."
"Recently I visited
my mother, Ida Austin, and shared my exciting news about the forthcoming
stitchery. My mother recently took up painting at 87 years old and has
"the magic touch" also. This photograph of us will always be one
of my favorites."
This is what Sandy has to
say about her style of painting: "My goal is to convey in my paintings a
sense of peace, hope and love and to bring people in touch with other cultures.
My technique, combined with empathy and love, would allow me to share my vision
and be a part of the great artists I have always admired...Guaguin, Van Gogh, De
Grazia, Grace Carpenter Hudson and Mary Cassatt."
"If the feeling of
the artist is real, then the image touches the hearts of all those who see
it."
~ Sandy Austin Stein ~
Publisher's Note: If you are interested in finding out more about the artwork of Sandy Austin Stein, you may contact her by writing to her at: 1144 Sonoma Avenue, Suite 114, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. Or visit her website at: Sandy Austin Stein's Multicultural Artwork.