Meet Sarah Dugger | Painter, Printer, Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Dugger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I am a natural risk taker, though not with things like sky diving or down hill skiing. Free falling through the air or careening down a mountain of ice makes my bowels loose just thinking about it. I am partial to risk taking in my chosen field, fine art and textiles.

To me, the root of risk taking lies in seeking and understanding truth. I’m not talking about the post-modern, everybody has their own truth, view of truth but the old stand by, the real version of truth. Truths that can’t be argued. There are three truths that I have internalized and have given me the ability to take risks with jobs, projects and relationships even if I’m unsure of my success,

Truth #1 The Principles and Elements of art & design. If you’ve been to art school or studied art at any academic level you would be familiar with the principles and elements of art. They encompass things like perspective, symmetry, rhythm, color theory and so on an so forth. These concepts are the building blocks all artists use to create artwork. Yellow and blue will always make green. Designs are either symmetrical or asymmetrical. A drawing either has correct perspective or it doesn’t. These concepts are true. When I realized that all artists are working with the same concepts and, that I too understood how to use these concepts, I had the confidence to walk into any studio, have a point of view and get to work. My first job out of school was in NYC on 7th Ave. for Nicole Miller designing conversational textile prints. I went to NYC from a small town in Ohio with no connections to the fashion scene but I was able to take that leap because I knew I understood the basic principles and elements that everyone in the industry was working with. These working truths would not let me down.

Truth #2 Fear has no power. That is not to say that I have never been afraid, but being afraid is a feeling. Feelings are separate from and not indicative of the truth. Being able to set my feels aside to examine the truth of a situation has taken practice. It does not come easily but it is worth the effort. There are so many what if’s to be afraid of: what if they think my work stinks; what if they make fun of me; what if I’m in over my head; what if I can’t follow through, what if I loose money. All of these are valid things to fear and consider however, they have no power to control my actions unless I let them. I never let fear keep me from taking a risk.

Truth #3 I am valuable. This has been a big truth to internalize as a woman. Our world is full of voices speaking with false authority about what a woman’s intrinsic value is. There are all kinds of traps and pits to fall into whether it is self-image, personality or “it” factor. I have the additional layer of being in a competitive field. When I was working in commercial design I always knew there was a long line of extremely talented designers behind me who could do my job as good if not better than me. Believing in the unique value that I bring to a company or project as a person has been a truth that has helped me take risks. There is no one like me and I can bring value to anything I get involved in.

The great thing about these three truths is that they are not just for me. They are universally true for any and everyone willing to incorporate them into their lives. I’ve found that believing in indisputable truths has given me the wings jump into jobs with all the gusto I can muster. Of course, regardless of these truths, I would still never jump out of a moving airplane.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been an artist my whole life. Of course, the beginning 20 years led to the latter 25 years which have been the most productive and professional. It is far easier to be a commercial artist than a fine artist but both are rewarding and satisfying in their own ways. I think the life of an artist is built for people who like to work and hustle. It is not easy but it is the most stable career path to take. Has there ever been a time when there were no artists? Never! There will always be work for us in some way, shape or form.

I’ve discovered recently that listening to the voice in my head, which I’ve come to find out is the Holy Spirit, has been the best thing I’ve done for my career. That voice talks to me all the time, guiding in the ways I should go. I think it’s always been that way but I’m aware of who it is now and listen even when it doesn’t make sense to me.

I want people to know that my artwork is never about the artwork. It’s always about the people. When I sell a painting I can’t wait to meet the people who buy it. When I am printing textiles I work with people to help me with the process and with people who sew – textiles are for people! And my mural work – I love being outside painting on a wall in a community meeting the people who live there and bringing color and joy to their neighborhood. I use my artwork as a vehicle to love people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I really love Prescott. We rented a house up in the mountains and went hiking in the Prescott National Forest. I enjoyed downtown Prescott and had a delicious dinner at The Peacock Dining Room at the historic Hassayampa Inn. The downtown is full of galleries, shops and history to explore.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to my Mom & Dad. They instilled in me a work ethic and sense of adventure that I’m grateful for. Also, all of my artist friends that I have made along the way. I’ve learned so much from all of them.

Website: https://sarahdugger.com/

Instagram: @sarahjanedugger

Image Credits
Teai Warner