Sandler isn’t shy when it comes to sharing his ideas on everything from world history to the politics of the world, and his art is his weapon of choice for telling the world how he feels.

Sandler has been in Panama City since 2002, after moving there from Metairie, La. He’s currently working his way through Gulf Coast Community College with the aim of achieving an A.A. degree in history.

Sandler believes that by gaining a more thorough knowledge of history, he can set straight what he sees as some historical inaccuracies.

“History is written by the victors,” said Sandler, “People don’t read enough about history. That’s why we keep repeating ourselves.”

Sandler brings this same non-conformist style to his art. He describes his work as truly unique with an abstract style all of its drawing inspiration from a wide variety of subjects, including dreams.

“If I have a particularly vivid dream I just feel compelled to sketch it out or paint it,” said Sandler, “If it’s that vivid and real then it must mean something and I have to get it out there.”

Sandler said it takes him anywhere between a few days to years to finally complete a painting. He begins by making numerous sketches until he feels satisfied with the pose and mood. He then applies the paint, which he views as a very daunting process.

Having never truly received formal training, being self-taught has not hampered Sandler’s career. He has had his art shown in different galleries around town and has even had art lovers in Europe express an interest thanks to the Internet.

One of Sandler’s favorite works, simply entitled, “The Three Forms of Pain,” is an expression, he said, of battling psychological and physical illness. Sandler is very motivated in his support for the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act, which is currently working its way through congress.

Having suffered through problems that mirror those protected by the Wellstone Act, Sandler believes his art is the perfect way to convey the trials someone suffers from mental illness.

He hopes that others may find some solace from his work. Sandler feels that the Internet is a great tool for his work and has allowed his work to be viewed by people around the globe.

“I’m just trying to get myself out there and known,” said Sandler, “With my Web site I can get valuable feedback from those who like my art.”

Sandler does enjoy receiving feedback from art lovers and fans alike. He says it helps him focus on areas he may need to work on and to explore new methods.

Sandler will continue to break the status quo of the local art scene and to challenge himself and others to think outside the box.

To find out more about Douglas Sandler, visit his Web site at http://Sandlertheartist.tripod.com or read his BLOG by visiting http://floridascrazyartist.tripod.com/blog.