Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Aileen
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Art has always been a common thread in my life, starting in childhood. In college, I immersed myself in graphic design. Yet, as graduation approached, the thought of working to execute someone else’s vision didn’t seem like the right fit. I did a 180° into the financial world for nearly two decades and my artistic side took a backseat during that time.
I still had a desire to pursue a creative and entrepreneurial path and needed a way forward that was feasible. The rise of social media began to democratize the art world and I saw it as an opportunity to connect with fellow art-lovers and designers. The timing was right, so I made the leap back into the creative world. I find so much satisfaction in pursuing a path that feels authentically me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Naturally, there have been bumps along the way. The lessons are useful but they’re always painful in the moment! There have been the usual things such as show rejections and logistical hassles, but a couple of face-palm moments from early on come to mind:
I once misquoted a commission using the wrong paper. Paper weight is referred to as grams per square meter (gsm) and pounds (lbs). I quoted 300 gsm instead of the heavy-weight 300 lb paper that the project would have required. The project request ultimately fell through, which in this case was fortunate, since that would have been a costly mistake.
Another issue occurred when I shipped out a painting too hastily. The paint hadn’t fully cured and hardened. As a result, the packaging left some impressions on the surface of the piece. Thankfully, the collector had purchased from me before and was understanding since she knew it wasn’t the norm. As a gesture of goodwill, I created a replacement commission for her, which she displays as part of her collection to this day!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in minimalist hard-edge abstraction, a style that distills concepts down to their essence. Color and proportion take on outsized importance in this style. The magic lies in creating compositions that exude balance and precision. I aim for that equilibrium with each design.
Collectors use my art as an element to express their taste in their homes. Once installed, each piece contributes to an individual’s curated aesthetic. My pieces play well with many styles; in streamlined interiors, they provide a pop of color and act as a statement piece; in maximalist environments, they give the eye a grounded place to land.
My newest series is focused on art tailored for tall, narrow walls that don’t accommodate traditional, standard sizes. The pieces are long and vertical, a space-savvy solution that can be customized with color and dimension. They’re perfect for art lovers and designers who need a custom solution.
What matters most to you? Why?
As time progresses, I’ve come to cherish freedom and flexibility more than ever. The loss of my mother shifted my perspective, emphasizing the significance of health and the ability to adapt my schedule to accommodate life’s uncertainties.
Balancing time between my work and personal life has become a priority, allowing me to make the most of every moment. It was this desire for flexibility that led me to transition from traditional employment to entrepreneurship. This ongoing journey has enabled me to align my choices with my values, ensuring that my endeavors contribute to a life full of meaning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahaileen.com
- Instagram: sarahaileenstudio
Image Credits
Sarah Aileen