SaeMay

Where Do Your Colors Come From?

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:20:00 +0000

Was thinking about color and inspiration today and decided to go on a little photo adventure around my home. Partially because a certain Dove asked ... but also probably because this third day of being snow bound has me seeing my home in a new light - a snow-melt quality of light. Just loving and appreciating all of my little collections and I'm beginning to notice just how many of their colors have ended up influencing my paintings. So it really is true - an artist's studio environment can be pretty poignant!

Also - in other snow-bound news I've been watching this and plan to indulge in the last episode tonight. Been loving all the details in their sets - the studios, the sketches and each artist's personal disarray. Got to love the BBC for really doing their homework!

Living Like a Resident

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:21:00 +0000

Over a year ago now I returned from a month long painting residency in Vermont. At that time, I vowed I would continue to carry my practice as close to residency life as I could.

It took me the entire year... but I think I'm finally getting there. If the beautiful disarray of my living room has anything to say about it.

Combine the disarray with the feeling that comes every so often - like a buzzing in the cradle of my belly like love which signifies hitting a sweet spot in a painting - and I know now. One year ago that dream of how to live my life as a painter? I'm doing it.

Hallelujah, Yes and Thank You.

After the Rush comes Stillness

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:29:00 +0000

Work in Progress 1.5.12

After the travel...

After the holidays...

After the rush...

Work in Progress 1.5.12

Comes the turning inwards...

The stillness of hours lost to the studio.

Carving in Progress

This is where I am. This is where I'll be.

In presence and mind.

Studio in Action

Signed, Sealed & Delivered

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:55:00 +0000

"Bo" - Mixed Media on Panel Pet Portrait

Finished! I can go public with this pet portrait now since it was gift that was given and joyfully opened yesterday. My favorite thing about the holidays is gift giving. I love figuring out just the right gift for a friend to light up their face. This particular portrait was a blast to do for that very reason since the recipient had mentioned wanting to commission me to paint Bo some time ago. Didn't hurt that the canine in question happens to be so wonderfully photogenic!

I had so much fun playing with bright colored highlights for Bo's under-painting. Who knew a fluffy white fella could sport such a rainbow? Purples, blues, reds and yellows - a full spectrum of awesome I must say.

Holiday warmth and cheer,
Sae

Overdue and Cold Consequences

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:12:00 +0000

Installation by Allison Elizabeth Taylor 2011

Been playing a game of Catch-Up round these parts. Right after I returned from Miami Art Basel I came down with that terrible cold that everyone seems to have which I had manged to avoid thus far. Maybe I pushed myself too hard or maybe it is just the way my body reacts to these things but it just bout totally wiped me out. Not even my library books got returned on time. Which for me is saying something.
On the plus side I ended up with a full week of forced relaxation which I filled with the BBC tv series, Being Human. If you haven't watched it yet I'm warning you - terribly good and terribly addictive and all three seasons are on Netflix. Boy oh boy was that fun. I haven't vegged out like that in what feels like the whole year. Maybe it HAS been the whole year?
Now I'm feeling better and back to the studio in Christmas elf mode. This week is ALL about the goodies. I love the holiday and preparing little gifts and cards for all my dears. I've even taken over my own kitchen this year. But let me tell you - I cannot wait until I'm back to the studio for "real".

Also - if you want to read more about Miami Art Basel I wrote a pair of articles for Artist Trust which can be found here and here.
Enjoy and may holiday cheer come your way!

Miami Art Basel 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:51:00 +0000

Miami Art Basel 2011, a set on Flickr.

Miami. Art. BASEL.

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:01:00 +0000

This week I am here

Enjoying exhibitions, installations and spontaneous performances.

I will certainly post - including an article or two on Artist Trust's "I am an Artist" blog. So stay tuned!

From the Peninsula to the Paintbrush

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:05:00 +0000

Last weekend my friend Megan was visiting from Boston. She is a poet and wanted to road-trip to the Peninsula for a mini residency. Who am I to resist?

This sign was in front of the cabin we rented and car loads of people pulled over all weekend to take their picture here. Quite amusing!

Woodgrain Possibilities

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:09:00 +0000

I love this spot of wood-grain so much that I had to share with you. It is part of a 4ft square panel that I'm starting to work on. Oh the possibilities!

I've been silent here as late and I'm trying to determine why. I think I've just been enjoying the quiet moments in between to myself. I think me and yours truly have had a lot of catching up to do. Which is okay.

I've had a fair bit of traveling going on - last weekend it was to Wenatchee with my family for an early Thanksgiving celebration (before the snow made travel difficult for most).

Every time I go there I wonder why I don't visit more often - those hills are so beautiful!

Or maybe the long car ride just doesn't seem so bad when you can craft in the backseat?

During those quiet moments in between I've been turning my entire house into my studio with work in various stages strewn everywhere. It is kind of nice actually!

This weekend I'm on a mini-residency to the Olympic Peninsula with a poet friend who is visiting from Boston. And luck of all luck? It is actually sunny here today! So off we go to explore the rain forest - perhaps without rain.

Step Inside and Stay Awhile

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:09:00 +0000

There is something about filling your home with several of your dear friends that suddenly makes it all REAL.
Welcome to my home dear friends. Come on in and stay awhile, won't you?

I'm still pinching myself over this room. A workshop? Really truly?

For all the blessings of luck, love and friendship - cheers!

Gone 'a Visiting

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:32:00 +0000

I've been out and about this past week having adventures. Things work out that way sometimes (kind of often round these parts methinks?)

I was initiated into the realms of tool safety by the West Seattle Tool Library which I'm now a member. I will be returning there soon to build some painting panels.

There was a ferry boat ride on a perfect morning followed by a trip to the Dungeness with my friend Katie followed by an evening of much talking whilst we baked cauliflower pizza and homemade key lime pie.

A beautiful weekend on the Peninsula was followed by a beautiful supper on Sunday with the kitchen Goddess extraordinaire, Betsy. She hosted "Fakesgiving" to test out new and "weird" recipes. None were "weird"- all were delightfully delicious! Bread free stuffing? Yeah, in theory it's "weird" but I loved it. Mmmm.

And then there were pumpkins. Pumpkins which begged to have their faces revealed. Pumpkins and pumpkin pie with friends Kirsten and Matthew.

I also spent an some time visiting and catching up with my artist friend, Kellie Talbot. And through her got to catch up with young Gus the studio duck - who last I saw was not nearly so interactive. I'd love to paint him if he'd just hold still for a second!
And no - he isn't radioactive - Kelly just has this amazing duck light on her deck. Pretty fabulous!

I walked from my house on Beacon Hill to my job north of the Pike Place market yesterday and was amazed that it took less time than I thought. About an hour. Would have been less if I didn't keep stopping to enjoy the views.

Last night was Pioneer Square Arts Walk which I enjoyed with my friend Bill.

I really loved this collaborative conversation between artists Mark Hipple and Allison Kline at the Angle Gallery:

Now I'm off to finish my house projects and unpack the last box. Maybe...

Ever So

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:01:00 +0000

Between bits of this and that around the house, I made it out to this:

And totally enjoyed this:

And reveled in this place in this city I call home:

A sneak peek of my new digs ...

Coming together, ever so slowly.

Those Million Lucky Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:21:00 +0000

Flower sketching and a Turkish housewarming gift

This process of settling into my new life is taking much longer than I anticipated. It has been a little over two weeks since I moved and I still don't have pictures up on the walls or my studio quite operational! I'm a bit impatient I know.

My time has been filled with returning to work, traveling via Link Light Rail, shopping Goodwill for household items, navigating home internet (that was a doozy) and lots of hugs and catching up with Seattle friends. There also was a spa day with my Mom in there too.

A newly procured and operational kitchen shelf nook

This all sure has been a strange journey and I've gotten pretty mired down in the details of it all. This past week I had been feeling overwhelmed and ready for it all to just be done so I could get back to work. During the quiet evenings at the end of the day I was in almost a malaise - just wanting to loose myself in True Blood marathons instead of "getting things done".

But yesterday it struck me. It was a beautiful sunny morning and my smile was evident as I walked through the Pike Place Market on my way to work.

I have a beautiful and wonderful life. I am so deeply thankful for where I am and how I got here.

I have:
* A great job located in one of my favorite places on Earth that allows me the freedom and flexibility to pursue my art.
* An apartment that is perfect for me for right now.
* A start of a new consulting endeavor that is perfect for me right now.
* A loving family and fantastic creative, supportive amazing friends.
* A chance at finally fulfilling a whole list of long term dreams.

Thank you a million times my beautiful lucky stars. Cuppa tea toast to you all!

These Few Numbered Days

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:51:00 +0000

Watching the Salmon run out at Ballard Locks with a dear friend

A night out at the Benbow Room to see dear friends who happen to be in one of my favorite local bands, Rosyvelt!

And moving - yep. I did.

Day by day I'm getting settled here in Seattle. I'm quickly falling in love with my new neighborhood. Tell me - how is it that Beacon Hill still manages to be affordable yet is SO incredibly amazing? Wait - hush - don't tell anyone!
I'm such a sucker for perfection - otherwise I would be posting pictures of my new place for you. But since there are still piles of boxes and no art on the walls you all must wait. And life sure has been getting in the way of unpacking. Catching up with friends, art openings, exciting work and shopping for a practically new kitchen. Kinda fun!

The Tide of Change Hath Crested

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:46:00 +0000

"Wilderness"

Hello Dear Dears ~

This post is filled with words I've been trying to say for weeks now. Of a truth it has taken me a long time to come to for myself, and then another long while before I felt comfortable to share it here. But the change is upon me so I cannot hide it any longer.

In two days time, I will be moving back to Seattle.

Andy & I gave things a good go here in Olympia and I'm definitely glad we tried, but in the end we haven't been able to come to an agreement on our life paths. I could go on endlessly about it but that is basically what it comes down to. So we are parting ways out of love for each other. We are still super close but this path is what feels right to both of us. Tough thing.

However, as heartwrenching as it is, there is true anticipation and excitement too. I will finally be returning part-time to my old job downtown with the addition of some independent artist consulting work. (More on that soon - it's pretty exciting!) Also, I was lucky enough to find an amazing place right away. I will be moving to a daylight basement, mother-in-law apartment with a built in artist workspace on a quiet, garden-like street.

I am going to take this change and let it carry me into my work. I'm going to pour myself into painting. I'm going to pour myself into things I should have been doing all along like eating right, exercise and daily sketching. I'm going to decorate my new home with all aspects purely of my self and I will dance.

All my best,

Sara

Art and Inspiration in the Big City

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:51:00 +0000

Gold Mountain playing out at Golden Gardens

I've been enjoying some art-filled time back in Seattle while house-sitting for some friends:

"Congregation Over Annihilation (beehives)" by Jesse Link at the COCA exhibit

A poignant and interesting quote spotted on a car parked outside my old home downtown.

COCA's Heaven and Earth Exhibition at Carkeek Park

"Organica/Mechanica" by Zucker, Turner, Jacobson

"Conversation with a Forest" by Stephen Rock

"Deconstruction of Babel" by Miguel Edwards

A Gorgeous Afternoon

Those Few Endless Days of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:03:00 +0000

The Spirit and Whirlwind of the last few weeks captured on a carousel

The last few and seemingly endless days of summer have caught me up like the silver threads of web that stretch across trails. There have been hikes, ice laden beverages, craft projects, carousels, travel, huckleberry hunting, daydreams, broken hearts and a wedding.
Not necessarily in that order.

There is just too much to try and tell you in one sitting so for now, I will just show you what I've been up to:


I hand dyed a white cotton dress using turmeric & plum skins and it came out the softest richest butter cream.

I wore my hand dyed dress as a bridesmaid in the gorgeous outdoor wedding of my dear friends, Jenna & Paris. Decor that couldn't have possibly been more them (because they brought their home pretty much outside for the event) with beautiful flowers, wonderful food and good friends.

Friends Erin & Evan soaking up the shade in the outdoor living room

Newlyweds Jenna & Paris

Travel to the Peninsula

Travel is best enjoyed while wearing hand dyed dresses and vintage boots - right?

While delivering artwork to Good Merchandise on Vashon Island, I came across this incredibly renovated airstream trailer for sale. Touring the inside sparked many daydreams indeed. Too bad I don't have $19,000 at my disposal at the moment...

One can dream...

Vashon

My friend Bill attempting to coax me and Leah into a 2.5 mile tunnel hike. Um... maybe later?

Hanging prayer flags down at the lake seemed like a much better idea:

Leah at an alpine lake during our search for wild huckleberries

And just for fun I have to share this perfectly perched moth - spotted while at the 2 year anniversary party for Matter Gallery in Olympia who just started carrying my work. The moth looks like part of her crest!

Artings

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:36:00 +0000

Siu Lung - Custom Pet Portriat

The last couple of days have been chocked full busy with artings! Both of the making kind, and of the taking care of business kind. I finished a fantastic portrait of this cute little fella above and he turned out SO well that I had no choice but to get "going" with updating my website and listing my portrait availability in my etsy shop.

After all the computer work was sorted out I pretty much moved my studio outside for the day. Panels, paint and even the Dremel. Four hours went by like 40 minutes. So blissed out!
Top secret little studio tidbit - but that red string tied to my pencil? Tis how I make my swoops and swirls. Sketch pencil and compass all in one.

And chickens. Yes. Chickens. Why? Because I really want them. Someday. For now my friend Jenna's will have to do.

Time to Get Going

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:21:00 +0000

This song has been running through my head all morning...

Choosing Paths

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:37:00 +0000

Last week I finished a darling portrait honoring a wonderful cat. Loki was a fairly famous cat in the Ballard area during his time I hear. My dear friend Kirsten commissioned me to paint his portrait for her beau Matthew, who had recently lost this companion of close to two decades.
Loki's portrait was a challenge and an honor. I'm so glad that I've found a way to use my skill with capturing an animal's personality to help bring joy to folks.

The success of this piece also came at a time when I've been thinking through whether I was going to proceed with taking on this full-time art "job" or not. It is such a scary thing to leap whole-hearted into supporting yourself. So scary that I've yet to fully do it. This whole summer - all my travel and road-tripping has been about trying to think through and prepare for what I want my future to be:
To be solely responsible for my finances through art - to always be in pursuit of using my art to make money...
OR
To seek out reliable but flexible employment so I can keep the freedom to only paint for myself.

These questions have haunted me for a long time. Part of what I'm realizing though is that I no longer want to paint just for myself. It is SO immensely satisfying when someone else loves and cherishes my work. It may very well be the whole point of why I feel so compelled to make this work.

It is such a big endeavor though. How does one even start to "market" oneself? I need a business plan and a back up plan. I need notes and lists and contacts. I need some luck.

To top it off with extra irony from the Universe: The day after all this was churning in my head from a strong job interview, as I was seriously considering taking on full time employment again, I sold a painting. Greenwood Common had been sitting up at NW Fine Woodworking for two months and was slated to be picked up within the next week. When randomly, it sold. How's that for adding to the mix?
Boy oh boyo.

End of the Traveling Road (for now)

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:33:00 +0000

Vista from Hwy 20

After driving the North Cascade Loop last Wednesday, followed by a caravan ride to Sun River, OR on Thursday and then back on Sunday I think I may just be done with travel for a spell.
Probably not... But at least for the next few days.

Another angle of Hwy 20 vista

Vista after beautiful vista WERE appreciated - we couldn't have asked for nicer travel weather ... but now that I'm back home the one I'm most enjoying is of my own backyard.

Methow Brewery / River Grill

The road trip to the Methow Valley was inspired by a need to retrieve three large paintings from Confluence Gallery in Twisp, WA after the Birds, Bees and Buds exhibition. It worked out that a friend I hadn't seen in quite some time was on summer break and free to join me for my crazy-to-do-in-one-day journey. We chatted and got caught up and enjoyed the gorgeous day from 8:30 AM until 11:30 PM. Was a delightful trip that took us from Seattle north to Highway 20 east over the mountains, down into the Methow Valley through Winthrop and Twisp and then further east to loop through Wenatchee with a stop at Lake Chelan to cool off then south to return through Steven's Pass.

yummy

It's a drive I would LOVE to do again - if I had about three days to do it! So many amazing places to stop and hike or swim or taste. I'm sure I will do the journey again. Hopefully a camping trip in September with my friends Bill and Leah who also wanted to go.

Cooling off in Lake Chelan

Dinner and a walk in Leavenworth

Directly following my journey on Wednesday was a trip south to Sun River OR for Andy's family reunion. It truly was a wonderful time and I enjoyed connecting with his cousins that Andy himself hadn't seen in close to 10 years. It was reconnecting for us too.

I think I must have been travel-tuckered my whole time in Sun River though because the only picture I took was of this little covered bridge in Moro, OR on our way home during a pit stop. No sunset over the Deschutes. No smiling hot tub relaxing photos. No bike trail riding pics on the wacky hot pink mountain bike that came with the house rental. Nope. None of those. Just this covered bridge.

Up next: Art! (Yes - I still do that)

Ocean, Tides & Flora

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:40:00 +0000

Andy and my Mom, exploring tidepools

The days last week were swiftly filled by my annual family vacation to the Oregon coast. We lucked out with some of the most gorgeous, ideal weather. It was the kind of week not often repeated so close to the Pacific. All of us took advantage of this blessing by spending the majority of our time out on the beach.

My photographer Dad at Spouting Horn, Cape Perpetua

Ancient Sitka Spruce towering above

Bear tracks on the beach

View from our temporary beach cabin homestead

Crown Point overlooking the Columbia River

I capped off vacation by taking a little artist retreat on my own. I traveled up the Columbia River gorge to Corbet, OR where I enjoyed the treat of a two day painting workshop with Flora Bowley. Creative play in a spectacular garden setting with some truly lovely souls.

Flora herself is a wonderfully open teacher fully sharing her techniques and tricks she has learned over the years. She combines technique with a playful painting philosophy I found quite refreshing.

Layering colors, texture and bold mark-making - canvas in progress

The end results for me were a pair of canvases that to me seem so completely in Flora's style but also speak from my own voice. I had a TON of fun.

I'm already experimenting with ways to bring some of this colorful looseness into my own paintings on wood. Stay tuned for some playful & bold wood-staining!

Studio Work and Wizards

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:39:00 +0000

Working in the Studio


Not Working in the Studio

It's all about balance right? Well, this weekend wasn't too balanced but it sure was fun. Little bit of studio work followed by a whole lot of fun!
Good friends, good food, gallery time, hiking and hanging out.
I had the pleasure of spontaneously going out to see the final Harry Potter film on Friday at the Cinerama with my friends Bill & Leah. Afterwords I had the pleasure of joining in on Leah's weekly radio show - Ear Worms - where we got quite silly after having far too much sugar at the movie theater and played Harry Potter themed music. Quite fun. If you are up for some goofy banter and fun music check it out: http://www.wtnrradio.com/show.php?showid=7108&d=1&ff=1

Now it's back to the studio with me!

Back to the Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:07:00 +0000

The outdoor studio that is! These summer days the deck is far too inviting ... so I attempted to move my studio out there and ended up building a fort instead.

Oh summer!

I've got new panels sanded and ready to work on. All of my travels certainly did the trick to "fill the well". Four new paintings are sketched and in process - and I don't even have a deadline for these ones. (For once!)

In other art news I nearly forgot to tell you with all the travel going on round these parts that right now through early August I have a lovely little show up at Dahlia Spa in Seattle. Lots of the little birds are available and you can take them home right off the wall if you buy one - fun!

And possibly even more exciting art news is that I'm FINALLY starting to update prints to my Etsy shop again. Bout time eh? Little 5x7 birdies for just $7. I know they've turned out good when I just want to keep them:

Back from the Road - Again

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:07:00 +0000

Just when I thought my road trip time was over it turns out that I had one more journey to make. This past weekend found me traveling Washington's Highway 12 through Gifford Pinchot National Forest past Mount Rainier and beyond into the Yakima Valley. I was called that way for the family celebration of my dear Grandmother's long, full life. Just one month shy of her 90th birthday. Grandma, you will be missed.

The scenery along the drive could not have been prettier...

And the cherries jewel-like on the local orchards were the sweetest in recent memory...

Even sweeter was a child-like stop for the treat of the Peppermint Stick's ice cream. A long standing tradition!

Since I was in the Valley I made a point to finally visit the remarkable Artist enclave of Mighty Tieton and spent a lovely time exploring the gallery, workshop space and press. If you are ever up that way it is by far worth the detour. I know I will be returning!

The Pallisades

One other stop on my journey included a mini Sabbatical to visit an old childhood family haunt - Ohanapecosh Campground. Just a few miles off Hwy 12 it was a welcome break for a stretch and a little contemplation beside the waters that were as clear and jewel-blue as I remembered. Not much seems to have changed from the days I roved the campground looking for toads with my tribe of cousins! Course now all I want to do is return for a weekend of camping there. Tis been far too long.

Returned home late on Sunday and then spent Monday celebrating Andy's birthday. Which thankfully included a stop at my favorite local coffee house for the birthday request of dirty chai. Oh yum =) After 3 days in the valley with drip coffee Oly coffee roasters made for a happy return indeed!