The Flow of Continuing
Meet Sandy Kaplan, a staple of the St. Louis clay community whose work is all about happiness, togetherness, and connection. Based here in the Delmar Maker District, Sandy has been working with clay non-stop since 1989. For her, art isn’t about milestones—it’s a “flow of continuing”.
In this week’s feature, Sandy shares her journey into her “Second Act” in art, her dream of having lunch with Picasso in the Delmar Loop, and why she’ll always choose a crowded party over a quiet dinner.
A “Second Act” in Clay
Sandy’s path into the world of ceramics truly began during a pivotal “second act” of her life. After her youngest daughter headed off to college, Sandy found the space to create for herself.
“I had gotten divorced and worked all this time and I just first started doing something for myself… so I decided to do women at tea, women in conversation.”
Inspired by a chance encounter with a vessel adorned with dancing figures in a Michigan gallery, she began sculpting her signature narrative figures. For Sandy, her work isn’t about isolated milestones; it is a constant presence.
“If you think from 1989 that I’ve been in clay non-stop… it’s just a flow of continuing.”
Creating Connection
Sandy’s work focuses on the emotional drive of her figures and the stories they tell. When you look at her pieces, you aren’t just looking at ceramic forms—you are looking at expressions of joy.
“We all go through good times and bad times in life, and I wanted my pieces to emote happiness, togetherness, community in the narrative… I want people to smile when they see my work.”
Engaging, Fun, and Connecting
Whether she is discussing her dream lunch with Picasso or her love for “working the crowd” at a party, Sandy’s vibrant personality shines through every sculpture. When asked to describe her art in three words, she chooses: engaging, fun, and connecting.
Experience Sandy’s journey firsthand and see how her Picasso-inspired distortions and narrative figures continue to evolve