We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sierra Barnes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sierra , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
After I was diagnosed with (Craniopharyngioma) brain tumor and underwent surgery to remove it along with my hypothalamus and pituitary gland in 2002, my Mom gave me a small canvas to paint on to express emotions. I painted my first painting then. When my mom asked me to tell her about the piece I titled the piece “Complicated”. Even at the age of five, I was expressing myself and my emotions through art. I am forever grateful to my Mom for giving me that canvas and the opportunity to discover art and express myself through art. This experience launched my love of art.
Sierra , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As I wrote before I created my first painting at the age of five after I underwent brain surgery in 2002. This launched my love of art. But I’ve been in art galleries and a full-time artist since around 2014. My artistic style is abstract, intuitive, and figurative, None of my art is planned. I listen to my intuition in every aspect of the piece, from the colors to the techniques. The mediums that I use are acrylic, and watercolor, as well as inks and paint markers. With every piece, I create I set a positive intention by writing positive words and/or affirmations on the surface before starting to paint. I also just started adding crystal powders such as rose quartz. amethyst, and clear quartz. These powders also enhance the positive intentions I set for each piece. Each piece also comes with an original poem handwritten by me on the back. With abstract art, I know everyone can see something different. The poem helps me to express my point of view on the piece. Of course, it’s an amazing feeling when you can do what you love as a career. But my main goal as an artist is to help and inspire others and share positivity through my art and poetry. I love helping people add life and positive energy to their spaces!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
One of the most rewarding things is just simply being able to create. My main goals are to help and inspire others and to spread positivity through my art and poetry. So, when someone says a piece of my art or one of my poems has helped or inspired them or they relate in some way that is so rewarding to me. I feel accomplished and successful as an artist. Because that person may be going through something and the fact that something I created/wrote helped or inspired them really brings me joy and blows my mind.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I haven’t given up on my pursuing my dreams, goals, and vision not just as an artist but personally. I’ve had negative comments, and opinions from others as an artist as well as a person. I’ve overcome some difficult challenges in my life. But I didn’t let that stop me from continuing to pursue my dreams, passions, and vision not just as an artist and personally as well. Luckily I’ve had a huge support system from my family who continue to support me every day and I’m so grateful for that. I would say to others is don’t give up on your dreams, goals, and vision even if you feel alone. I guarantee you that there will be some negative comments and opinions along the way. But if you stay true to yourself and your vision you can accomplish anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artistsierrabarnes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistsierrabarnes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistsierrabarnes
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@artistsierrabarnes
Image Credits
I took all of the photos.