Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah May

Hi Sarah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I’ve always had an artist spirit but never thought I was an artist. As a kid, I loved to create but was not skilled at drawing so did not believe I was “good enough.” I kept creating and making and just having fun but did not pursue art as a career. After graduating from college with a degree in Spanish and working for a year, I knew I had to bring art to the forefront of my life. I decided to go back to school to become an art teacher. Through my education in learning to be an art teacher, I practiced my own art. My skills continued to evolve and improve as I earned my Masters Degree in Art Education with a focus on printmaking.

I dove into printmaking and found my little corner of it in linocuts. I carved and printed, carved and printed, carved and printed…I could not get enough of it! I eventually decided to create a small business around my linocuts. My current business is a product of several attempted prior ventures through which I made mistakes, had failures, learned and observed, grew and emerged.

Today I am still a public school art teacher (26 years!) and have a business called Block21Prints. It has evolved from hand printed clothing into a stationery and gift company specializing in whimsical, thoughtful and fun prints, surface patterns and illustrations.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It has not been a smooth road and continues to be bumpy! It is hard being a small business. It can be lonely and confusing and intimidating. However, I ask a lot of questions, take a lot of risks and surround myself with like-minded artists and businesses.

It is difficult to know where to focus, I often have “art squirrel syndrome” where I want to make and do the next thing even though I’m in the middle of something else. Sometimes those distractions are great and take off but it’s important to stay focused and clear on your journey and mission.

It can also be a challenge in knowing how to manufacture products but I’ve taken many incredible classes from knowledgable teachers that have helped me immensely.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

My work focuses on animals, nature and whimsy. It is my goal to promote kindness, cultivate creativity and embrace mindfulness. I want my work to bring smiles, to feel like a hug, to make you pause and be in the moment. This may all seem a bit cliche but it’s genuine and authentic to who I am.

I believe my work stands out because it is from me…it is my vision, my interpretation of my surroundings and it is my spirit. It is also unique as I love to combine traditional printmaking with digital art with bold colors and strong outlines.

I think that currently, I am most proud of how far I’ve come and how I have stayed on my path even though it has been long and difficult. I keep thinking about the analogy of seeds that are planted and the time it takes for those flowers to grow; I am trying to be patient as well as motivated and focused as I have big goals and visions for my little company.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?

As far as finding a mentor and networking, I have found investing in classes and finding a community is essential. I have taken numerous courses and have received something from each one, even if it’s a small bit of knowledge. The most comprehensive course that has made a difference for me has be Leverage Your Art with Stacie Bloomfield as it really guided me through all the different avenues my art could go. I loved the community and found wonderful connections.

Also, I am a part of a local art community in my state and that has been a fabulous community as we share resources, do events together and just connect as working artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://block21prints.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/block21prints
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/block21prints

Image Credits

Bee Rose Photography