Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Garcia.
Hi Sandra, can you introduce yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Many adults are returning to school. I am an excellent example of the fantastic journey we grow through during this process. I am a Jacksonville native. As a child of a single mom, we had many hardships, but art was always my saving grace. However, it took me until my mid 30’s to figure that out. From the age of 18 until 33, I worked full-time to support my family. In 2018, I was able to leave the workforce to begin a college career with FSCJ. For two years during my Associate’s program, I was a psychology major. Then covid hit, and everything changed. During the blur of covid, I sank into my art.
Stress, anxiety, and worry were prevalent for everyone during that time. I found so much comfort in my art, which reminded me of when I was a child. As a little girl, I drew, colored, and painted. As a teen, my artistic expression turned into nail designs and colorful hair. Later, as a young adult, it became crochet, furniture upcycling, and resin art. When I took a moment to reflect on my life, my artistry was the one constant thing I had. Even though it changed forms, it was always there. Acknowledging that fact helped me to embrace my artistic self. Once my Associate’s Degree was completed, I felt inspired to take my art seriously, so I enrolled in a Digital Media program with FSCJ. Joining that program was one of the best choices I have ever made. My art, my artistic identity, and my artistic knowledge have all grown immensely. To date, I have had several of my photography works recognized.
In August this year, my “Ring Around the Oak Tree” photograph was featured in an article by Jacksonville Today. My photograph, “Buddha Garden” won third place in the college photography contest this month. Most recently, I was presented with the opportunity to join The Experience Art & Literary Magazine of FSCJ as the Arts Editor. These achievements encourage me to continue to embrace my art in every aspect. My current endeavor is to grow a business teaching art classes such as a Terrazzo Class with my brand SMartsy Creations. A local business owner has graciously donated their business as a location for my first official class in 2023; my future goal is to combine my knowledge of psychology and art into Art Therapy. So far, my journey has allowed me to seek within, which helped me embrace a part of myself that had been buried. It has also allowed me to show my children the benefit of college education, the beauty of accepting oneself, and that success is always possible.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Growing up as a child of a single mom and then becoming a mother myself at an early age definitely prolonged this growth. At 18, I joined a religion that frowns upon higher education which put a stop of college all together. When I left, I felt free to seek a college education. Also, working full-time as a parent of young children, I focused my time on my family. Once they became older and the family dynamic changed, I felt able to dedicate myself to school.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My photography is currently the work that is gaining recognition. One of my photos was featured in Jacksonville Today. I recently won 3rd place in the Cultural Photography contest at FSCJ, my first contest ever. So I am very excited about these achievements. However, my current endeavor is the trending art of Terrazzo. I plan to start offering classes in Terrazzo because it produces beautiful ceramic-style pieces that are fairly easy to make. The trend of terrazzo classes is growing in Europe, and I want to offer them to our artists here in the states. Being a Jacksonville native has introduced me to many different cultures. My mother is American, and my father is Filipino. Yet, I speak fluent Spanish. My true talent is absorbing and assimilating new information. This ability has assisted me in many aspects of my life, especially with people. The diversity that I have experienced in my life allows me to connect with almost anyone. I plan to use my diverse personality and artistic skills to teach others the beauty and benefits of art.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
As I mentioned, I am a Jacksonville native. I was born in 1983. I have watched this city go through many changes. The best changes are the diversity of people who migrated here and the amazing gifts they have brought to this city: new culture, new languages, new food, and new style. The size of Jacksonville itself has always been something I enjoy. While traveling to other cities, they all seem small in comparison. The size and space of Jacksonville give us all the space to live comfortably. My dislike of Jacksonville would have to be the lack of resources for families. As an aunt, a stepmom, and a former nonprofit worker- I have seen so many families of autistic children suffer. There is a terrible lack of funding, services, group homes, schools, and support staff in this city and state.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smartsycreations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.m._artsy/
