Meet The Artist

Sarah Simmerman

Sarah, an artist hailing from Northern Virginia, has called Arizona home for the past 15 years. Based in Surprise, AZ, she has established her art studio and is active in the local arts community.

From an early age, Sarah exhibited a penchant for creativity, a trait that set her apart from her family who were settled in government roles. Recognizing her inherent need for artistic expression, she pursued a path divergent from the norm, embracing the path of an artist. 

Sarah's journey towards finding her true calling was not a straight path. After completing her BFA in Graphic Design from the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design, she dabbled in various roles around design before transitioning into digital marketing. However, as she climbed up the corporate ladder, she found herself missing the hands-on creativity that she once thrived on. This realization sparked a return to painting.

Her work, much like her journey, is deeply introspective. Sarah's experiences with depression and anxiety remarkably inform her artistic process and inspiration. Striving to offer a tangible outlet to her inner journey, Sarah's artworks are an exploration of her subconscious battles, a cathartic expression of organized chaos. She seamlessly blends the abstract with structured elements, contrasting geometric patterns and organic forms to create artworks that are simultaneously atmospheric, minimal, dynamic, and tranquil.

Sarah's creative process is meticulous. She is particular about color selection, testing and experimenting with different combinations to achieve a wide spectrum of hues on her canvases. Subsequent layers add depth and variations, allowing previous strokes to peek through. Interestingly, this careful blend of color and form alludes to the dichotomy between technology and nature, mirroring her own internal struggles. A believer in trial and error, she has developed her unique style through years of practice and relentless dedication.

She volunteers as a Board Member at Ground Floor Artists, a nonprofit supporting the arts in the West Valley, and her paintings have been displayed across Phoenix, including the Found:RE Contemporary, Herberger Theatre, Shemer Art Center, and ArtsHQ Gallery.

Sarah's art is testament to her personal journey, battling and metamorphosing her struggles into a form of aesthetic enlightenment. Reflecting her values and capturing her internal chaos, her works are emblematic of her quest for growth, understanding, and mental wellness. Indeed, Sarah's art proves that sometimes chaos isn't just a pit but a ladder—one that leads to the beautiful realms of self-expression and catharsis.

Artist's Statement

Through my art, I explore the depths of introspection and catharsis, using color and geometric patterns to convey my personal journey of overcoming life's challenges. Each piece is a reflection of the varying emotions and experiences that I encounter, serving as a form of therapy and self-expression. My work is a harmonious blend of atmospheric elements and structured geometric patterns, creating an organized chaos that tells a story of strength and resilience.

Inspired by the transformative power of color, I carefully select each hue to evoke specific emotions and narratives within the viewer. The process of creating art is a deeply therapeutic journey for me, allowing me to channel my thoughts and feelings onto the canvas with a deliberate and strategic approach. My technique involves layering colors and marks, using geometric patterns to create depth and balance, resulting in a visually captivating and unique piece of art.

I find joy and fulfillment in the freedom of creating abstract work, focusing solely on the interplay of color and texture to convey my story. Each piece is a reflection of my own introspective journey, and I hope that it can provide a sense of peace and catharsis to others who encounter it. My art is a testament to the transformative power of self-expression and healing, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world of emotional depth and visual enchantment.

Featured Interviews

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