We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Buckley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Some of the most meaningful projects for me have been pet portraits. Our pets hold such an important place in our families and in our hearts, and memorializing their memories in thread is incredibly special. I’ve had the pleasure of stitching several pets, including two of my own dogs, and these pieces are truly treasured.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I first started teaching myself the art of embroidery at the beginning of 2015. I had two very young children, and was immediately enamored with the convenience and flexibility that this medium offered. I could pick up my project or set it down whenever I needed to – or even pack it up and bring it along when I traveled! It took a few weeks of obsessively practicing the stitches before I felt confident sharing my work, which was sloppy and wobbly in the beginning. Learning this art form was, and continues to be, a real labor of love. Each small piece takes hours of work to complete, but I still find myself getting lost in the cathartic process of stabbing my needle through the fabric over and over.
Through the years, I discovered that my favorite projects have been the tiniest or most intricate ones. I love creating wearable art in the form of jewelry, as well as highly detailed landscapes, florals, and animal portraits. I am always the most inspired by the colors and textures of nature!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The idea of creating something beautiful, meaningful, and lasting is so powerful. Many of my creations become cherished keepsakes, which brings my sentimental heart so much joy. I love that Art can be a way of capturing memories permanently.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
It’s difficult to explain the importance of inspiration and the devastation of burnout in a creative field. When that inspiration hits, my work is fueled by passion and heartfelt joy. But pushing that passion past the point of enjoyment is easy to do when you are relying on making an income, and burnout is common. Feeling dispassionate about my art, which is so strongly tied to my identity, really hurts. I think it’s so important for those of us in creative fields to be mindful about our emotional energy, since our work comes from the soul.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.sarahbuckleyart.com
- Instagram: @sarahbuckley.artist
- Other: www.Etsy.com/shop/sarahbuckleyart