Meet Sarah Warner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Warner.

Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a kid, I was always fascinated by art and creativity- the shape of things, as well as colors and textures in the world around me. In middle school and high school I would doodle a lot- mostly cartoons and caricatures that I would make of friends and teachers. Even though art was never necessarily in the forefront of my life growing up, it was something that was quietly a part of who I was. It wasn’t actually until many years later, as a mom-of-four, that I decided to explore my love for art with more intention. About four years ago, my family and I spent seven weeks in Denver for my husband’s job. That time was pretty significant for me. Not only was the beauty of Colorado inspiring, but getting away from home, family, friends and the busyness of life opened up some “space” in me that made me want to explore my desire to create art.

Back in Arizona I decided to sign up for an art class at a local art school and I so enjoyed it that I knew I needed to keep following the thread of this interest. I spent about a year or so making painting and creating a daily discipline and it was during that time that I realized art was not just a hobby for me, but rather a passion. It was from there I enrolled and completed a year-long Art Mastery Program at the Milan Art Institute and I have been actively pursuing my art dream since.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s hard to say. I would say the road that led me to finally start exploring creativity was a lot “bumpier.” I got pregnant with my first child, unplanned, at nineteen. While some may think that kind of bump equals the “end of youth” and maybe even dreams- for me, getting pregnant jump-started a really deep spiritual and emotional journey that ultimately empowered me to have hope and dreams that little me could never have imagined. I preface with that to say, I don’t think I would have had the courage to seriously pursue painting, if not for my messy and redemptive journey the ten years leading up to my time in Colorado.

A practical challenge has been being a wife and stay-at-home mom while pursuing my art career. It can be a struggle to balance daily life and obligations with taking the time to be in the “creative flow” in the studio. I do have a studio space at home which makes the juggling act a little easier.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is honestly a lot of fun! I love using any material I can get my hands on. I work in many mediums including acrylic, collage, spray paint, oil and ink.

My favorite thing to apply paint with is a business card and finger-painting is also not off-limits! I like to make art using bright and playful color palettes- hot pink and gold are two of my favorites and you can’t go wrong with a little bit of juicy red. I think it’s important to balance all of that bold color with space for the eye to “rest” and so I compliment these colors with the addition of more subdued neutrals and tie it all together with mark-making.

Humor is a huge part who I am and that also comes out in my work. When I use markers, crayons, etc. in my art, I like to channel my “inner child” who has a lot to say- she’s not always nice and doesn’t always make sense but she gets to be “heard” nonetheless. I believe that art doesn’t have to be serious to be excellent. Between my use of color and the energy I bring to each painting it is my hope that my art brings a bit of levity and joy to those who view it.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I love that I am an artist at this time in history! With social media and the internet, exposure to new art and finding new artists is easier than it has ever been. I can only imagine that this move of art and artisans will only continue to grow as there are now so many platforms that share and encourage that creativity. An obvious shift is there is a lot more interaction between artists and collectors through social media which makes buying art easier and more personal.

Contact Info:

• Email: sarah@sarahwarner.art
• Instagram: @sarahwarner.art
• Facebook: @sarahwarner

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