Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sara Molano . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sara , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
At the age of 8, witnessing my aunt’s battle with breast cancer, marked the beginning of my artistic journey. Her mastectomy and the harsh chemotherapy inspired me to paint women with one or both breasts exposed. Over the years, this theme has evolved, and today, I create murals and lead Street Art Tours, using my art to raise awareness about breast cancer. Each mural is a prayer for the courageous women facing this battle. Through my work, I’ve connected with hundreds who share their stories of diagnosis and loss, reinforcing the profound purpose behind my paintings. This is why I paint—to shed light on the strength and resilience of those affected by breast cancer.
Sara , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My artistic journey began at the age of 8, inspired by my aunt’s battle with cancer, a pivotal figure in my life. Born in Medellin, Colombia, I moved to Santiago de Chile at 15, where I pursued Advertising for 8 years. While in Miami in 2000, a need to pay rent led me to sell my paintings to an art frame store, sparking my desire to continue selling my art.
In 2009, at Art Basel, I discovered the work of Colombian designer Camila Meucci, and we have collaborated since then on the creation of beaded purses. These purses are now exhibited in three galleries in Wynwood, Miami. Alongside painting murals, I work as a tour guide, sharing insights about street art, including my own creations, conducting three tours daily.
For the past 9 years, I’ve been involved in performance art, collaborating with Kikimora Studio as one of her creatures for events. My creativity extends to making jewelry, perfumes, jackets, toys, and reselling vintage clothing online since 2003, managing five online marketplaces that keep me consistently busy.. My Vintage store brand is @Quitamela
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an artist, the most gratifying aspect of my journey is connecting with the individuals touched and inspired by my creations. Throughout my life, I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible humans, fellow artists, and inspiring teachers.
The joy comes from knowing that my earrings bring smiles, my perfumes evoke a sense of well-being, and my murals serve as collective prayers for breast cancer survivors. Hearing people express the compliments they receive while wearing my clothing is truly rewarding. Each of my one-of-a-kind purses allows individuals to choose a goddess that resonates with them, adding a personal touch to the artistic experience.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I hold the belief that art transcends time and space, communicating universally when it emanates from the soul. In my perspective, developers should allocate space for art in every new building, and public spaces ought to embrace creativity, making art accessible to everyone.
I advocate for incorporating art into public transportation, adorning public schools with murals, and fostering creative environments. While these changes are gradually taking place, I’ve witnessed transformative shifts in neighborhoods like Wynwood, where art has not only created a sense of community but has also given rise to entirely new neighborhoods. This reinforces the power of art in shaping and revitalizing our surroundings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://quitamela.com/
- Instagram: @saramolano. @quitamela
- Facebook: Sara Molano
Image Credits
Some photos are by photographer Jorge Otero