On Tuesday, December 9 at noon, we will welcome Lee Sandstead as our featured ArtBreak speaker. Sandstead is the host of the Emmy-nominated Travel Channel show Art Attack, which renews the art experience with exciting journeys through the world’s best art museums.
In his free talk, Sandstead will discuss his experiences during Christmastime in England. Click here to read more about the ArtBreak. We spoke with Sandstead to learn more about his work and his travels to art museums around the world:
1. As a world traveler, you have visited countless museums across the globe. Is there a particular trip that resonates with you as your favorite experience? Is there a trip you would like to repeat and do differently?
The Camino de Santiago is a museum thousands of miles long, and I have been fortunate enough to hike 2,400 miles of it in Portugal, Spain, and France. I’ve always done the Camino during the summer months; I’d like to try a 30-day Camino during the winter.
2. It was not until your early 20s that you discovered art. What lead you to this discovery that has inspired a life-long love for art, as well as a career?
That’s a long story: I’ll tell it when I come to the BMA!
3. How would you go about inspiring someone who claims to be uninterested in art to develop an appreciation for it?
When I teach, I really try to show how they are ALREADY deeply affected by art everyday: via music, music videos, and movies. Then, I look at some of the themes in those media and show how those themes can be found in the visual arts. Also, I tell them the first class why I love art.
4. Out of all the museums you have visited, which one would you say is your favorite? Why is this museum your favorite?
National Gallery of Art. Easy to get to, free parking, priceless collection—and NO WINDOWS IN THE GALLERIES. Plus the architectural setting lends itself to visits.
5. What do you look for in a work of art in order to take a picture of it?
First, am I even allowed to photograph a work of art? Then, I usually don’t photograph art that is copyrighted. I look for art that I can both teach from and that intrigues me. Right now, I’m very interested in photographing Baroque art.