Santa Fe, Cuba, born 1964
A self-taught artist, Sandra Dooley began to paint at 36. Her paintings reflect the intimate moments in Cuban daily life that center on family friends, pets and even fantasy scenes. Her compositions, influenced by great 20th century artists, often feature women distinguished by their thoughtful and reflective expressions.

Dooley has also explored mixed media techniques using upcycled materials. Recycling old materials is essential in Cuba; Dooley grew up watching her mother and grandmother bring new life to used objects by adding recycled elements. Using the memories of mother and grandmother as inspiration, Dooley has created collages that incorporate recycled fabric, burlap sequins, lace, buttons to add texture and oil paint to create bright splashes of color.

Dooley has been exhibiting her works since 2000, in Cuba, Canada, Germany and the United States. 

(Biography courtesy of International Folk Art Alliance)