Artist Statement

I am deeply passionate about breaking social taboos surrounding emotional and mental health. My art practice works to achieve this through mixed-media graphite and pastel drawings, community-based discussions, artist workshops and mentorship programs, and the written word. 

My work is best described as “Emotional Realism”: hyperrealistic drawings encapsulating an emotional experience shared through vulnerable conversations held in our community. These discussions center on topics such as emotional intimacy, the state of transition, and resilience through trauma. Continuing the conversation, each work is paired with a written statement and a question directed at the viewer, inviting them to engage and reflect on their own experiences.

Through use of figurative realism, a subtle color palette, and concise compositions, the image personifies emotions in a way that can be familiar and accessible to many.  The goal is to create solidarity with others who can relate to the emotional states being depicted, encouraging more transparency, support, and dialogue amongst our peers; partners; families; and communities at large.

Bringing the community together and amplifying their voices is a huge part of my practice. Creating a safe space for individuals to share, feel heard, and to experience solidarity is incredibly important - now more than ever. I recently co-founded Studio 5 Contemporary, a community-centric studio, gallery, and events space, expanding the impact of my practice and the practice of other artists here in Marin County and the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. 
Sign up for Studio 5 Contemporary newsletters to stay up to date on public events here.

There is an ongoing open call to participate in my body of work. If you are interested in learning more about participation, please reach out to me here!

Bio

Sara received her BFA with a dual emphasis in Painting & Drawing and Photography from SF State in 2013. From 2019-21 she studied under the renowned German hyperrealism artist, Dirk Dzimirsky.  She received 1st Place Drawing in the 17th ARC Salon, multiple awards in the 16th International ARC Salon, 1st Grand Prize in the 2022 John Dalton Art Prize, 2nd Place in the Pastel 100 2023, received multiple Honorable Mentions in the Strokes of Genius, and has placed as a finalist in numerous competitions, including ModPortrait, the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, and more. Her work has been featured in national and regional art magazines and books and has been shown in galleries and museums across the globe. She is included in public and private collections internationally and even on the moon, including  The Bennett Collection of Women Realists and The Lunar Codex, The Polaris Collection. Sara is represented by CK Contemporary in San Francisco, CA, and lives and works out of her small studio in a redwood grove in the North Bay hills of Nicasio, CA.