Meet Sand Hook Oei

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Sand Hook Oei again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Sand, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
I am Sand Hook Oei and am currently an art Illustrator and Surface Designer living in Atlanta, GA. For the past 30 years I’ve run my own Web and Graphic Design business, having started this business after many years in different segments of the entertainment industries, namely television and music.

Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
TAKING RISKS PART 2
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to share my perspective on taking risks—a topic that had shaped much of my life’s journey. At that time, my risks were all about moving from city to city, state to state and finally a stretch in Europe. But what I was really risking were successful careers without any guarantee of a safe arrival. Fortunately, I managed to do quite well in spite of my lack of planning.

Today, I’m excited to share an update on that story. While I’m still embracing risk, this time it feels different — more aligned with my personal joy and vision for the future. I’m pursuing a new path that reflects not just ambition, but fulfillment, and I can’t wait to share more about this next chapter with you.

For women in particular, aging often comes with a complex set of expectations and stereotypes. We live in a world that too often equates value, beauty, and opportunity with youth, leaving little room for a younger self to recognize the wisdom, depth, and self-assurance that comes with age.
For this gal, (and I’m edging up on 77 yrs. this coming April), I’ve decided to buck this notion entirely. Growing older isn’t about retreating; it’s about expanding. It’s about standing in the fullness of my experiences, my talents, and my passions. Now, I am leaning into the future with confidence and pleasure. Society’s expectations no longer define me, and I refuse to let them place limits on what I can do. I see aging as an opportunity—not a limitation—to embrace what matters most to me, to chart an authentic path, and to explore life on my own terms.
Until very recently, I was completely immersed in the world of Web and Graphic Design, creating marketing print materials, digital user interfaces and user experiences. While I value the creativity and problem-solving inherent in that work, my passion for the decorative arts with all the tactile messiness of paint, paste, and paper is calling me. I want to feel a brush in my hand.

As an artist, I’ve always been drawn to the art and crafts of indigenous cultures. Now that I’ve lived enough to know what I love and what inspires me, what I am being called to do is to consider a more diverse point of view. Make work that explores our full senses, not just the five physical senses, or even the sixth sense of intuition, but a seventh, what I am naming as our imagination.

I am now creating work that connects with people on a more personal level and in their personal spaces with designs that reflect my love of creating vibrant and colorful, nature-inspired designs. My products include art prints, wallpaper, stationery, home goods and more. Each design reflects my fascination with the natural world and my desire to bring a sense of artistry into everyday items.

This shift has been incredibly fulfilling allowing me, at my age, to explore new media and formats while staying true to my creative roots. It’s so much less “techy” and a lot more fun! And it’s a real joy to see my designs come to life in physical forms that people can weave into their homes, businesses and daily routines. Does this sound risky? Well, I bet not so much. This move has reaffirmed my belief in the power of art to elevate our surroundings and foster connection.

I’m also finally excited to share all about this new direction on social media, where I’ll be posting my latest designs and projects. And for those of you who know me well, it’s been quite a long time coming! 

Yes, I am now eager to connect with others who share my love of the decorative arts and design. Hint: Think about work that explores the intersections of sensuality, self-care, and natural nurturing. Smells like tea, feels like oil, blends like wine.

And so as I move forward on this creative journey, my hope is that my work resonates with those who are drawn to beauty, nature, and the deeper connections that art can inspire. Through florals, fruits, and spices celebrated across cultures for their sensual and nurturing qualities, I want to evoke not just visual delight, but a feeling — a sense of warmth, joy, and imagination. This new series, 7 SENSES, is an invitation to slow down, savor the small pleasures, and surround ourselves with objects that bring both artistry and meaning into our lives.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share this vision and for the support of those who have followed my creative path over the years. Whether you’re discovering my work for the first time or have been part of my journey from the beginning, I hope these designs spark inspiration and a sense of connection. Let’s celebrate the art of living well — with color, with curiosity, and with a spirit of wonder.

You can check it out at: https://www.shookarts.com/7senses7

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf

Favorite Book: Big, fat coffee table Art books

Favorite TV Show: Billions, Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones, and all Nature documentaries

Favorite Band or Artist: Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, and most dramatic Film Scores

Sweet or Savory: Both, so hard to choose I love food!

Mountains or Beach: Beach

Favorite Sport (to watch): —

Favorite Sport (to play): —

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): —

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Artist

French Fries or Onion Rings: Onion Rings

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Bobby Axelrod

Favorite Cartoon growing up: —

Favorite Childhood movie: —

Favorite Breakfast Food: Anything that I can add cheese

What are you most excited about in the coming year?
I am most excited about the start and launch of my new artistic direction. I am really wanting to share with others, particularly women, that there are no age limitations when it comes to starting over or just trying something new. Simply…go for it!

“It is never too late to be what you might have been”. — George Elliot

Website: https://www.shookarts.com/sand-hook-oei

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandhookoei/

Other: https://www.shookarts.com

Image Credits
All photos are taken copyright free mockups using my artwork.