Undertow Painting

::::Bio:::: Hi, I’m Sarah, As a rebellious high schooler with a reputation for cutting classes, I spent my days in the dark room or at the local arts guild, indulging in the art classes I was actually interested in rather than suffering through algebra. Despite my love for skipping school, I still managed to earn a spot on the honor roll my senior year. After graduating from Savannah College of Art & Design, I headed west to the sunny (and slightly sketchy) beaches of Venice, California, where I spent the next two decades working as a Creative Director and Product Design Strategist by day and perfecting my painting skills by night. Now, I've come full circle and returned to my roots in the lush and snowy landscapes of the east coast, setting up a private art and design studio in a converted post and beam barn that was once a General Store in the 1740s. With the help of my three studio assistants, my rescue terrier Potter, and my cats Cleo and Sparky, I'm able to bring my creative vision to life in this unique and inspiring space. ::::Statement:::: As an artist and designer, I've always marched to the beat of my own drum and relish the challenge of turning nothing into something. But after reaching the peak of my career in product design, I found myself burnt out and craving something more. So, I took a break from the corporate world and returned to my artistic roots through painting. I currently work with two distinct approaches: one that is frenetic, spontaneous, and painterly, and another that is methodically designed and planned. The first approach is fueled by feelings and memories that arise from the music on my playlist, and involves bold color combinations, clean lines, and primitive marks made with unconventional tools like lemons and mops. The second approach is inspired by color and involves exploring textures, patterns, and deeply layered compositions through the use of various mediums and tools. In my studio, I use a wide range of mediums and tools, including acrylic, oil sticks, spray paint, pastels, graphite, ink, and everything from wallpaper brushes to toilet brushes and fruit. I also incorporate printmaking and collaging techniques, using both painted and found objects like vintage wallpaper, wrapping paper, magazines, piano paper, and sewing patterns. Overall, my work is characterized by its wit, edginess, irreverence, rebellion, honesty, and a playful, eclectic, and whimsical range of moods.