Saunders’ work includes mixed media drawings, paintings and constructions – all of which are inspired by her personal study of the Qur’an, Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Qur’anic Arabic. Although contemporary, her work draws upon the traditions and influences of Islamic art and the African aesthetic. However, it reflects western and other cultures as well. The artist’s most recent work presents “the prayer rug” and simplified “pages of the Qur’an” as visual metaphors for “opportunity.” Frequently, she combines the prayer rug with a presentation of the alternation of day and night, representing the five daily prayers of Muslims. The subject matter of her work seeks to reflect the majesty of the Creator, the fragility of the creation, and the balance inherent in the Islamic faith.
Saunders uses a variety of materials and techniques in an effort to uplift and inspire the spirit of her viewers, and provide them with an opportunity to reflect. The size of her work varies, but usually ranges from six by nine inches to three-and-a-half by four feet.In 1986 Saunders joined the faculty of The School of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). She was tenured in 1993 and left the school as an Associate Professor in 1997. During her tenure at SIUC, she established, directed, and coordinated the Learning Through Design project. Between 1993 and 1998, she also served as Resource Faculty to the national project, The Role of the Arts in Unifying the High School Curriculum sponsored by The College Board and The Getty Education Institute for the Arts.
In 1997 the artist moved to Washington, DC, to join her husband and stepson. Saunders also has two-sons, from her first marriage, who live and work in Chicago, Illinois. Saunders opened her studio, Art From Reality, in November 1999 and considers herself blessed to be an artist, educator, and creative consultant reverencing the Creator.
