SANDI BAKER ARTIST
Curriculum Vitae
Sandi Baker – Artist
Hickory, NC USA
Artist Summary
Professional wildlife artist with over 36 years of experience, specializing in contemporary animal portraiture and large-scale works. Exhibited nationally and internationally, with extensive publication, licensing, and teaching credentials. Dedicated to technical mastery, innovation, and fostering appreciation for the natural world through art.
Artist Bio
Sandi Baker is a western North Carolina-based artist whose luminous wildlife paintings explore the profound connection between humans and the natural world. Specializing in large-scale acrylic and airbrush portraits—often of wolves and other wild creatures—her work blends abstraction with striking realism, inviting viewers into a meditative yet dynamic experience. Baker’s art has been exhibited internationally, featured in leading publications such as Airbrush Step by Step and Art Scene International, and collected across five continents. Through close collaboration with animal sanctuaries and a lifelong commitment to creative experimentation, she uses her art to raise awareness and support for endangered species. Baker’s paintings invite viewers to experience the spirit and personality of her subjects, fostering empathy and reverence for the wild.
Artist Statement
I have always been an artist—drawn to the wild, the mysterious, and the unspoken language of animals. My work is a meditation on connection: between human and animal, spirit and matter, the seen and the unseen.
Through luminous layers of acrylic and airbrush, I strive to capture not just the likeness of my subjects, but their energy and essence—the fierce beauty, vulnerability, and wisdom that animals embody. Each painting is a collaboration with something greater than myself, shaped by intuition, observation, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Art, for me, is a way to communicate what words cannot: the ache of longing, the joy of presence, the hope for understanding. My hope is that my work stirs memory, awakens empathy, and inspires a deeper reverence for the wild—both within us and in the world we share.
Gallery Representation
• Divine West Art Gallery, Santa Fe, NM (2025–current)
• San Francisco St. Art Gallery, Santa Fe, NM (2025–current)
• Taste Full Arts Gallery at the Mart, Hickory, NC (2018) closed
• Rabbit Hole Gallery, Cedar Key, FL (2016–2018) closed
• The Twisted Laurel Gallery, Spruce Pine, NC (2006–2016) closed
• Oak & Elm, New York, NY (2015–2016) closed
• Wolf Creek Traders, Banner Elk, NC (2008–2010) closed
Solo Exhibitions
• 2018: ‘Carpe Diem: Select Works’, Salinity, Hickory, NC
• 2018: ‘Into the Blue’, Salinity, Hickory, NC
• 2016: ‘The Works of Artist Sandi Baker’, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, NC
• 2014: ‘Spirit Wild and Free’, Warehouse 18, Hickory, NC
Selected Group Exhibitions
• 2023: Raising Roots Group Show, Hickory, NC
• 2022: Raising Roots Group Show, Hickory, NC
• 2020: Artist Spotlight Show, Trade Alley Art Gallery, Hickory, NC
• 2018: Group Show, TFA Gallery at the Mart, Hickory, NC
• 2018: Artists Live, Salinity, Hickory, NC
• 2014: Four Person Show, TFB Gallery, Hickory, NC
• 2013: Aphrodite Rising, Warehouse 18, Hickory, NC
• 2012: Group Show, Hickory Furniture Mart, Hickory, NC
• 2012: Fundraiser, Warehouse 18, Hickory, NC
• 2011: Group Show, Hickory Furniture Mart, Hickory, NC
• 2011: AOA, TFB Gallery, Hickory, NC
• 2010: Group Show, Hickory Furniture Mart, Hickory, NC
• 2010: Heart in Hand Gallery, Hickory, NC
• 2010: AOA, TFB Gallery, Hickory, NC
• 2009: Wolf Creek Rendezvous, Banner Elk, NC
• 2009: Front Room, TFB Gallery, Hickory, NC
• 2009: AOA, TFB Gallery, Hickory, NC
• 2008: Wolf Creek Rendezvous, Banner Elk, NC
• 2008: AOA, TFB Gallery, Hickory, NC
• 2007: A Carolina Christmas Show, Hickory, NC
• 2007: Eros, Lyndon Street Artworks, Greensboro, NC
• 2007: Octoberfest, Hickory, NC
• 2006: Artful Living Gallery, Hickory, NC
• 2005: Barnes & Noble, Hickory, NC
• 2005: Bird Nest Gallery, Taylorsville, NC
Selected Publications
(All features listed below were editorial selections; no paid placements.)
• Airbrush Step by Step Magazine, Issue #67, 2023, pp. 48–55, Germany (Print, International)
• Au Courant, Issue 10, Feb 2013, Featured Artist, Front Page & Interview, USA (Web, International)
• Kustom Graphics Magazine, Feb/March 2013, pp. 51–53, England (Print, International)
• Nature's Paint Box, Issue 3, Aug 2009, Cover + pp. 3–4, 19–20, Australia (Print & Web, International)
• Art Scene International Magazine, Oct 2009, pp. 66–67, Germany (Print, International)
• Art Scene International Magazine, Aug 2008, pp. 54–59, Germany (Print, International)
• Airbrush Technique Magazine, Issue 18, 2006, pp. 08–12, USA (Print, International)
• Airbrush Technique Magazine, Issue 17, 2005, pp. 10–13, USA (Print, International)
Film/TV Placements or Selected Commissions
• Artwork licensed for set design (2024) (Ride) (Director, Jake Allyn) (independent rodeo drama written by Jake Allyn and Josh Plasse)
Licensing Representation
• Self-Representing, International (2003–current)
• Interlitho Licensing GmbH, Germany, European Market (2018–current)
• iCanvas, Illinois, USA, Worldwide Market (2018–2023)
• JQ Licensing (2014–2016)
• Art Licensing International Inc. (2012–2014)
Collections
• Harder & Steenbeck GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg, Germany
• Airbrush Step by Step Magazine, Hamburg, Germany
• Private collections worldwide: Australia, Austria, Germany, Belgium, England, Switzerland, Canada, Cyprus, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, France, Scotland, Japan, Dubai, and throughout USA
Teaching and Lecture Experience
• Guest Artist Lecturer and Workshop Leader, Lenoir-Rhyne University (2016): Delivered an artist lecture and led a comprehensive, hands-on workshop for university art students, including canvas stretching techniques and guidance on preparing and presenting an art exhibition.
• Creator and Author, Online Artist Instructional Articles (2005–2007): Developed, wrote, photographed, and published a series of step-by-step instructional articles for artists, providing detailed guidance on artistic techniques and processes.
Collaborations & NPO Sanctuary Work
The Wolf Sanctum (2007–2014)
• Photographed and created paintings of wolves for fundraising and licensing.
• Created and hosted a multi-artist, catered art auction fundraising event.
• Created and developed an original jewelry line for fundraising featuring my artwork.
• Produced art gifts, shirts, prints, posters, cards, and original artwork for fundraising purposes.
• Handled and closely observed wolves to study their movement, conformation, and behavior for artistic accuracy.
• Served on the advisory board.
The Wolf Shire (1994–1996)
• Photographed wolves for reference and documentation.
• Donated paintings and artwork for fundraising initiatives.
• Handled and studied wolves directly to inform my artwork with authentic anatomical and behavioral details.
Western NC Ferret Rescue (1993–1995)
• Donated paintings and artwork for fundraising efforts.
• Handled and observed ferrets to accurately capture their unique characteristics in my art.
S.H.E.A. Park (Safe Haven for Endangered Animals) (1991–1995)
• Designed and created large-scale wildlife murals.
• Led educational outreach and animal portrait commissions.
• Donated artwork for benefit auctions and promotional use.
• Designed and painted signs, banners, and shirts for the sanctuary.
• Created individual portraits of each animal for fundraising.
• Photographed the tigers, lions and other exotic animals for reference and documentation.
• Worked hands-on with a variety of wild and endangered animals, carefully studying their movement and conformation for portraiture.
Selected Previous Clients
• Appalachian State University
• Peoples Bank
• City of Hickory, NC
• City of Claremont, NC
• Catawba County, NC
• Bunker Hill High School
• Claremont Elementary School
• Ride – the movie
• Suns Out Puzzles
• Olde Hickory Brewery & Taproom
Paid Brand Partnerships & Endorsements
(The following companies licensed my artwork for advertising)
• Harder & Steenbeck (Germany & US, video & print ads worldwide)
• Golden Acrylics (Japan, print ads)
• Genie Canvas (online videos, testimonials)
• Hansa Pro Colors (Europe)
Education
• Self-Educated Autodidact (current)
Experience & Qualifications
• (2005–current) 20 years solely as a professional fine artist
• (1991–2005) 13 years owning and operating a full-service sign business (specializing in concept design, painting vehicle, window, and sign lettering, graphics, and murals)
• (1989–current) 36 years creating art for clients
• Collector base: Worldwide
Early Career & Related Experience (1987-1991)
• Apprentice, (Wallace Brown Signs and Designs, Sign Painter/Shop), (Hickory, NC)
Learned traditional sign painting techniques, hand lettering, gilding, installation and design fundamentals under the mentorship of a master sign painter.
• Head Graphic Designer, (Signblasters), (Bethleham, NC)
Led and designed projects for commercial clients; developed skills in layout, branding, drafting and creating, painting and installing sandblasted redwood signs.
• Graphic Designer, (Sunfire Graphics), (Hickory, NC)
Learned hands on screen printing basics and designed custom graphics.
Background & Craftsmanship
Early Experience & Background
• Grew up on a farm in western North Carolina, tending, riding and training horses and a variety of other animals from a young age.
• Developed a deep, firsthand understanding of animal behavior, movement, and conformation through daily care and observation.
• Lifelong connection to animals and nature forms the foundation of my artistic practice.
• Grew up working in family-owned furniture factories, learning hands-on skills in woodworking, machinery operation, furniture design, pattern making, upholstery, and wood finishing techniques.
• Early exposure to craftsmanship and design continues to inform my approach to large-scale painting, surface preparation, and innovative use of materials.
Skills
Wildlife & Animal Expertise
• Extensive direct, hands-on study and handling of horses, wolves, tigers, and numerous other animals to ensure anatomical accuracy and authentic expression in all wildlife subjects.
Fine Art & Technical Skills
• Painting: acrylics, oils, pastels, alkyds, enamels
• Airbrushing (expert)
• Lettering paint (expert)
• Graphic design
• Gilding
• Glass etching & carving (chemical & sand)
• Sandblasting & carving (wood & stone)
• Metal art (chemical & heat patinas)
• Woodworking
• Wood finishing (stain, distress, specialty)
• Support building & preparation (canvas, wood, metals, leather, textiles, experimental)
Professional & Business Skills
• Art show and fundraising management (concept, creation, curation, hanging, signage, advertising)
• Contract writing & negotiation
• Licensing & copyright
• Web sales
• Art packing & shipping worldwide
• Business management: accounting, taxes, sales, PR, advertising, legal, collections