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

Hi Sarah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have been painting for my entire life, but until recently, lacked the confidence to share that part of myself. Art is very personal, and it can be intimidating to open yourself up like that to the world. Last year I decided that it was time to put myself out there. If I am successful, wonderful. If not, at least I will not wake up one day regretting not giving it a try.

I am so grateful that I have had such a positive response to my work over the past year. My work has been added to collections across the county. I hope that my work brings the same joy to others, as it brings me when creating it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been painting all my life. My parents encouraged me from an early age and found me extracurricular art lessons after school. After high school, I went on to earn my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art & Design, where I graduated with a major in Graphic Design.

After college I began my career in graphic design, which eventually morphed into marketing. For 10 years I continued down this path, leading to a leadership position at a medium-sized local business. At some point along the way, I began to lose my focus on creating art regularly and kept myself so busy I did not realize how much I missed it. Now, I am back to painting daily, and feel better than ever!

Up until recently, I struggled with sharing my artwork with others. Art is so personal and sharing it with the world can be quite intimidating. The initial challenge was building up this confidence needed to simply share my work and my story with everyone. I am a very quiet and private person, so putting myself out there was quite a big step.

Throughout the years I have studied multiple mediums and styles, my artwork evolving along the way. My artwork uses vivid colors, dynamic textures, and geometric shapes to create bold, abstract compositions. I work mainly in acrylics, with sizes currently ranging from 8” x 8” minis to 36” x 36”.

I have two primary collections. My Abstract Expressionism Collection uses color and texture to convey and tell a story of emotion. My Abstract Desert Landscape collection uses geometric blocks to compose a kaleidoscope of desert shades to create an abstracted landscape.

I am intrigued by how individuals can experience the same art differently based on their past experiences; the artwork can tell a unique story to each person. I love that abstract art can convey specific energy by using various brushstrokes, textures, layers, and colors. It can inspire energy and motion or tranquility and peacefulness.

I am so grateful for all the love and support my work has received. I have been included in multiple exhibitions around the Valley and across the county over the past year. I am excited every time I find out that someone has chosen to add one of my paintings to their collection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I guess it depends on the friend, but I would recommend spending some time exploring hiking trails around the Valley. I love the trails in the White Tank Mountains. With little kids the Children’s Museum, Butterfly Wonderland, and the Phoenix Zoo are always a great option. I always love spending time exploring the Phoenix Art Museum. And if you are looking to experience the art scene, you can’t miss the Thursday Art Walks in Scottsdale or First Friday at Roosevelt Row and the Grand Avenue Art District!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to send a shout out to two organizations in the West Valley. Ground Floor Artists and West Valley Artist Council are both wonderful organizations promoting arts and culture in the West Valley. I was thrilled to find not one, but two, wonderful art communities near me. Ground Floor Artists has an amazing gallery and Artesian gift shop, plus a large selection of art classes for both adults and kids. West Valley Arts Council has a stunning gallery and gift shop and organizes amazing community arts & culture events throughout the year.

Website: https://sarahsimmerman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsim_art/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtbySarahSim/

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