Degree Show 2025: Meet the Graduates – Sandra Hill, PhD

Introduce yourself and your work. What ideas and themes are important to you?

My PhD research explores the non-figurative ritual paintings of Hinduism. I have been fascinated by this imagery for many years, but it was not until I began to engage with the teachings and disciplines of the School of Traditional Arts that I felt able to explore the imagery through its making. I did not expect to become so fascinated by the methods and processes employed within the traditional arts, which seem to form an integral part of both meaning and transmission. This became the focus of my research, which also explored the relevance for a contemporary arts practice.

What materials do you use? Why have you chosen to work with these materials?

In order to engage with the traditional imagery through its making, I needed to learn more about the methods, materials and processes of the traditional arts more generally. This involved extracting pigments from mineral and plant materials, preparing papers and gesso panels, learning to apply gold in various forms. Working closely with materials provided an unexpected area of learning, where the actual materiality of the substances I was using took on a new and exciting dimension. I used only the traditional, mostly mineral, pigments, several of which are toxic and must be prepared with care. Many have a ritual significance.

What drew you to the School, and what do you want to remember about these last two years?

I was initially drawn to the school in order to explore materials, but soon became engaged in the study of various sacred art traditions. Despite my long interest in Hindu ritual art, I had always been reticent to copy sacred imagery. Through my engagement with the school, I was able to work with teachers initiated into the traditions and practices which inform the imagery, and for whom painting is a spiritual practice. This made my research possible, and I am indebted to their patience, skill and wisdom.

Professionally, what are your hopes and goals?

My work has always been a process of discovery. Now that the present research is completed, I will move on to new areas of exploration – never quite sure where it will take me next. But my work has been transformed by my engagement with the school and its inspirational teachers.