We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Simmerman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
There I times that I wonder where I would be if I had taken a different path. Took the leap to offer start exhibiting my paintings right out of college. But ultimately, I know it would have been a much different path. I have a wonderful family, and the experiences and lessons I have learned throughout my career have been invaluable. Every creative has their own path, and the experiences that have had through their life shape their art. I am very happy with the path I am on.
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 grew up in Northern Virginia and have been interested in the arts as far back as I could remember. I was the kid that always had art supplies on their birthday wish list. My parents were always very supporting and encouraging of my passion and found me opportunities to study art in and outside of school growing up. After high school I attended the Savannah College of Art & Design, where I graduated with a major in Graphic Design. After college I began my career in graphic design, which evolved over time into marketing. I learned some valuable skills throughout my career that were very helpful when I decided to make the leap from painting as a hobby to a professional artist.
I started exhibiting my artwork and launched my own gallery website towards the beginning of 2022. I use vivid colors, dynamic textures, and geometric forms to create bold abstract compositions. My abstract style has been built from years of practicing art in a variety of styles and mediums.
My studio is in Surprise, AZ (in the Phoenix metro area). Much of my inspiration is pulled from the beauty of the Phoenix area, often using colors and abstracted shapes I see along the hiking trail. Color theory has always fascinated me. I My first step with an new piece of art is to choose my colors, and let the texture and brush stroke support the feelings that the color palette conveys.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The actual process of creating art is the most rewarding part for me. I cherish the moments sitting in front of a blank canvas, choosing my color palette, and letting go of the hectic day-to-day as I create. The process of painting is healing and allows me to relax and enjoy life.
I also have met some truly amazing people along this journey, the relationships I have built along the way have been immensely rewarding.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
While the process of creating artwork is healing and meditative for me, I strive to create artwork that people can connect with and have it inspire positive feelings within themselves. I surround myself with artwork and colors that put me in a positive mindset, whether it brings a sense of calm, energy, or happiness. Art is extremely subjective, and I am thrilled when one of my pieces finds a new home with someone that relates to in on a personal level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahsimmerman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsim_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtbySarahSim/