Nadine Saitlin

"As a fine artist, painter, and sculptor, I experiment with different materials—always expanding the boundaries of my art. My vessels are continuous paintings on natural gourds. As the piece is rotated, the imagery varies, so the owner can choose the composition to be displayed and therefore become part of the creative process. "

In her abstract artwork, Saitlin creates surfaces and provocative forms that involve the viewer in a visual adventure. Her ideas come from everywhere: memories, situations, and places. By using visual dynamics such as curved overlapping shapes, contrasting colors, and directional lines, she interprets unique points of view and captures energy, explosive forms, and lyrical movement.

Each of Saitlin's painted vessels is made from a natural gourd. A gourd is a natural growing plant, a member of the pumpkin family. In her pieces, the gourd is a canvas for a three-dimensional painting. It is opened, seeds removed, and washed. After the surface is primed, the artist renders images with acrylic paint and pen, then finishes the piece with a matte varnish. Although coated inside, the vessels may not be used for liquid.

Saitlin's career has been focused on the arts both as an artist and educator. Her studios are in Chicago, Illinois, and Boca Raton, Florida. She exhibits artwork in nationally juried exhibits, featured shows, and galleries. As an art educator, she has published books and designed interactive learning materials, served as a professor of art, and worked as an administrator directing national and state programs.