Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Victoria Sauer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Victoria, thanks for joining us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing you can do for an artist is give them a chance. Give them the opportunity to shine. I was recently given the incredible honor of showing a new piece in a group show in the heart of New York City. As a Chattanooga artist, this is a big jump! It’s a dream to show in New York. I was ever so kindly invited to participate by a New York collector, Natalie Weder, who was curating the show “Ojos de Perro Azul” for Marinaro Gallery. Natalie had actually already extended so much kindness and support one year earlier, when she became my first collector of a big art piece–“Night House.”

Natalie saw and continues to see something in me that is worth investing in. And that’s the highest compliment I could imagine! Being given that big shot for sharing and for artistic exposure, feeling like someone fully believes in you, it’s incredibly inspiring. “Ojos de Perro Azul” just wrapped up a couple weeks ago, but it was an amazing show with so many other talented artists. I even got to take a trip to NYC with my friends to see it on opening night! This invitation to show work there is a gesture I will never forget.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Victoria Sauer, and I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Painting & Drawing in 2020 from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I was always an artist growing up, drawing animals mostly from tutorial books. But once I reached high school I began to really train in the skills of realism/hyperrealism as that was the approach that did and still does come the most naturally to me. Then in college when I decided to major in it, I started to understand how much deeper artmaking can go, emotionally, intellectually, philosophically. It was in college that I finally discovered the “why” of painting, for me.

I can only speak for myself, and from my experiences. But if my experiences can be understood and resonated with from a universal perspective, then I’ve succeeded in starting a conversation with my viewer. And that’s all I really want, is to ignite those conversations, and open up a space to discuss each others’ personal experiences.

I’ve found it easiest to translate my experiences through the mundane imagery of the everyday, as well as the surrealism of dreams. I know those may sound like complete opposites, but it is the middle ground that I am most interested in. I find it helpful to identify polarizing dichotomies, or double-ended spectrums, and then acknowledge that the world is not “black & white” as they say. Finding two opposites, and then exploring the space in between. Where do these ideas overlap? Where do they become one and the same?

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Focus on myself first, and then the rest will fall into place. If I am not self-motivated or inspired or excited about the work, then there is nothing for it to say. The work comes from myself and my own thoughts and experiences, so if it’s filled with embitterment from discouragement or rushing to meet deadlines or forcing anything onto the work, it’s not going to be able to speak it’s message honestly.

I am lucky enough to have other part-time jobs that keep me financially stable to where I don’t have to rely on painting for my main sours of income. So there is privilege in being able to take my time work on my own schedule–even if that means 4 paintings a year (I do take quite a long time on them). But with that privilege, I try to use it to my advantage and prioritize my mental health so that when it’s time to paint, I’m in just the right headspace.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In a world of social media….. share! like! repost! comment! It’s gotten to a point where a lot of creatives self-promotion or marketing tactics rely on social media, typically Instagram. If you cannot afford to support financially, which many people can’t, then support socially! Sharing online is amazing exposure.

Alternatively, if you CAN afford to support financially, try to buy your artwork locally rather than mass produced decor from franchised stores. Check and see if your city ever has local pop-up art markets. If an artist is selling their work outside of your price range, see if they have anything else you can represent, such as pins, stickers, small works on paper, etc.

Vocal and visible support goes such a long way in the creative ecosystem.

Contact Info:

• Website: victoriasauer.com
• Instagram: @victoriasauerart
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-sauer