About Annya Sand

Annya’s work is predominantly abstract - though often inhabited by figures, her paintings never sit within a conceptual framework. They flow from an innate and intuitive place. On closer inspection her work also traces a deep history, hinting with subtle inflections at a worldly perspective and layers of tradition.

In Annya’s paintings, colours live in harmony rather than competing for space. Her subtle uses of earthy tones, occasionally overlaid with flashes of more intense colour have become a trademark of her work and have won her a strong following.“My art is very ornate, and very sensual. I work with oils because I think it gives the work life.” “I create very thick layers yet try to keep the texture quite light. I like layers of colour, so you can sometimes see the original colour underneath.”

Painting from a very early age, Annya was heavily influenced by her father and grandfather and the creative environment in which she was raised. “I was born in central Asia, so the history of figures such as Genghis Kahn is present in my work. They have elements of the warrior yet are earthy.” Just as she avoids the static energy of the portrait, attaining dynamism through graceful strokes, her work also contains a strong spiritual element. "Most of my work is an expression of my feelings and my views on life. Everything I do is a reflection of my soul at that specific moment in time. The biggest inspirations for my work are the positives and negatives of life. I truly believe in the powerful effect of personal energy. Whatever you put into life is what you get back"