Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I’m Sarah Hill and I live in South West Rocks in the Macleay Valley. I work from my home studio, surrounded by wetlands next to the Macleay River. I feel like creating has been an integral part of my life from a young age, not necessarily painting, but making, drawing, building; my hands and imagination have always been busy. Following my instinct for creativity, I wound up studying at Newcastle University and completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours.
Image: Artist Sarah Hill. Photo supplied.
I did have a massive interlude between my studies and taking steps towards a serious art practice; families were made, and other career paths took over. I returned to making my own art after realising there’s never the perfect time to start, and it will never happen if I don’t just do it.
Images: THE HARMONY WITHIN and THE WONDEROUS. Artist Sarah Hill. Photos supplied.
Can you tell us about the work you present and the story or concept behind it?
My work carries a similar theme throughout, evolving with each of body of work, but inherently a journey born out of curiosity, living in wonder and our connection to nature.
My last solo exhibition with the gallery Jumbled was a bold interpretation of abstract botany, which for me embraced the wonder in ourselves and each other’s uniqueness. Each piece is a celebration of individualism and what makes us different, using organic forms to symbolise and embellish the eclectic and quirky side of being human.
What materials, tools, or processes do you typically work with, and what draws you to them?
I currently use acrylic paints and very occasionally oils. I find acrylics are more productive for drying time as I build up lots of thin layers and definitely an easier clean up. But, really I’m open to using any painting or drawing medium, if it gives me the finish that I’m after and has the magic alchemy of coming together in beautiful ways- that’s the most important aspect. Most of my brushes are old and pretty budget, often the shaggier the better for nice mark making and a really fine detailed brush, I’m using a Neef Script at the moment, for linework.
Each piece is a celebration of individualism and what makes us different, using organic forms to symbolise and embellish the eclectic and quirky side of being human.
Images: THE MUSE and I in Jumbled, and PRIMROSE. Artist Sarah Hill. Photos supplied.
How does it feel to participate in this program?
It’s a vulnerable and exciting time when I put forth work in public. There’s a lot on the line emotionally and the effort you’ve put into the work. But, it’s the only way to progress and a big part of the creative arts pathway. Taking leaps of faith in yourself and getting your work out there. I try to think of it as a win/win situation; even if nothing sells, or not straight away, its massive to even be doing an exhibition, to be represented by a gallery that backs you. The experience gained from that is priceless.
Being a part of exhibitions and events keeps me engaged with the arts community, helping to broaden my sense of what’s possible and meeting a network of creatives that cheer each other on.
What does participating in this program mean to you professionally?
Every collection and show is a milestone! It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and a pinch-me moment that this my life and I get to do it every day. Of course, more exposure and interest in my artworks also has a direct effect on my practice, sales to sustain my practice and building connections with new and potential collectors. And in what can be an isolating job, being a part of exhibitions and events keeps me engaged with the arts community, helping to broaden my sense of what’s possible and meeting a network of creatives that cheer each other on.
How do you hope audiences will respond to your work?
I intend for my work to joyous and captivating and I’d like to think that an audience is able to take a moment of contemplation while viewing and find themselves reflecting on their own joy and wonder.
What’s next for you in your creative journey?
I’m always on the lookout for new opportunities and would love to have a collaboration within the fashion or homewares industry, that would be a dream come true. I’ll be continuing to have works showcased at the Australian Affordable Art Fairs and (fingers crossed) could be representing myself there in the near future.
Where can people find out more about you and your work?