Meet Sarah Winther Lagersted | Artist

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

Hi Sarah Winther, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I studied art history at university in Rome and as I got more immersed into the subject, I grew increasingly more fascinatined and curious by the practice of making art. As many other artists I always enjoyed drawing and being creative as a child, but it wasn’t before my early twenties I took my first art class and more seriously worked on evolving my artistic skills. I have always been creative but I wasn’t sure how to use it and I never imagined I would be a professional artist, especially because I didn’t go to art school and I began art classes when I had already chosen another education and felt like I was “too old” to start. But while I was studying in Rome, I chose to leave university because I didn’t see myself on the path I had chosen. I began an independent research program at Cambridge University where I spent one and a half year studying one artist’s practice and philosophies, and it was sometime during this period I got convinced that this was something I had to try out, no matter how much work it would take. I had spent years studying and living abroad in different places so the thought of having to settle down and sit at a desk job the same place everyday seemed so daunting to me. I had a lot of anxiety about what kind of life and career would be the right for me and after my research in Cambridge I learned that I work really well independently and I have no problem managing my own time. For some people this idea sounds arrogant or over-priviliged, some would even say its typical for the “snowflake” generation, but I had to find a path that fit me: something I can find peace with and be happy about doing for hopefully the rest of my life. People are different and have many different strengths, values and ways to act and think. So I think it’s essential for some people to pursue creative careers, even though it may be harder and not the financial secure choice. And even though I have faced difficulties of being a professional artist, I am completely sure in my choice of pursuing an artistic career; I cannot imagine doing anything else than being creative.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My background in art is a little different from most artist as I am an art historian by degree but by practising myself and taking different art courses along the way, I think I am a mix between self-taught and tradtionally trained artist. Because of my background in art history, I have a great knowledge on art styles, movements and also the practical aspect of the art practice, which I think has helped me in many ways. It definitely hasn’t been easy to pursue a career as an artist and I think because I didn’t have the traditional art school education and had so many years where I didn’t even draw of create anything, I had a lot of self doubt and insecurites of not being good enough and of not being a real artist. And when you are often met with skepticism when you tell people what your field of work is, it can add to that self doubt. But focusing on your art practice and surrounding yourself with encouraging and inspiring people makes a great difference. I think being an artist is about creating, creating and creating. You always have to keep going, keep practicing and keep pushing yourself so if you are able to turn that negative energy into a productive motivation, you can really get somewhere with your art. People often think that artists are born with a talent of being naturally good at creating but in my experience it is all about work. I wouldnt be where I am today artistically if it wasn’t for all the hours, days, years, I have spent on improving my skills and keep working on things even though you don’t like the quality of your work. Sure some people are born with some creative abilities but you can be sure that all artists you admire have spent years improving their artistic skills and have spent many tough and long days and nights in the studio. So in the end you have to do your best to block out the haters and remember that people don’t always see things as they are but as they percieve them based on who they are, so just focus on you and your art because you are the only person who can make those dreams come true.

Artists like Kandinsky and Caravaggio are my great inspiration. My art style and practice is very different from both of them but so much about their new perspective on art and theories have influenced me. Kandinsky with his great inspiration from music and how he used Synaesthesia to decide his color pallette and inspire his subjects; Caravaggio with his use of chiaro schuro, strong contrasts of light and dark. My art style is something I myself would call Neo Pop Art. It’s very different from these two aforementioned but with my art history background I can draw inspiration from different movements and pick the concepts I like the best and translate it into my art.
I am very inspired by colors and I like to challenge the typical perception of color. I like to chose something different, something bold, strong contrasts and brave color choices, and find a way to still make it look clean and tight and peaceful. In many ways I think what I am trying to achieve with my art, is to show people how I see the world, how I percieve things. How beautiful and chaotic things can be at the same time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the green areas of Copenhagen and I often go there when I need a break. I live right by the beautiful park Frederiksberg Have, really peaceful place with lakes, picnic lawns, even gondola rides. It’s a lovely place to meet a friend for coffee or to take the dog on a long walk. I love the ocean and water so I like to go down to the Lakes in the center of Copenhagen. It’s often packed with people walking around the lakes but there is something so peaceful about walking by the water. They have these cute little swan pedal boats which is a fun way to see this area. Closeby is the beautiful museum Statens Museum for Kunst where you find all genres of art from the Old Masters to modern art. Couple of other great places by the ocean is Kastellet, a fortress located close to the famous statue of the little mermaid. And a little further down the coastline you find Nordhavn, a residential area by the harbour where you can take a dip in the water, all through out the year as swimming in the winter is popular here.
For eating and drinks I recommend Sokkelund, a very nice brasserie with the best food and atmosphere, either go there for sunday brunch or dinner and drinks at night, it’s a great place for all occasions. Another cute place is the cafe Bopa. Close to the Lakes and located in one of my favorites areas in Copenhagen. I have been going there for brunch for years and they never disappoint. If you want to go for drinks at night, head out to Nimb Bar and check out their fairytale cocktail menu. You will be sure to get a fairytale experience, well suited to the surroundings of the amusement park Tivoli that is also worth a visit.

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?
My family have always been a great support. I grew up in a home where art was appreciated and valued and I think this has been a big contributor to me believing that it was possible to make it as an artist. My parents and my brother has always been there for me and supported and encouraged me in every way they could. My professor at university in Rome who was also my guidance counselor and sort of mentor taught me most things I know about art and really made me love everything about art. My friends, those who have been there since the beginning of my artistic path and encouraged me to stick with it even when it was hard, and those who I have met on the way who continues to inspire me. All those people who support me by buying my artworks, trusting me to translate their ideas into unique artworks and those who follow my journey and encourage me to do better each day. And the great artist Kandinsky, because submerging into his work, philosophies and views on art and life taught me a great deal about the practice of art and the role of the artist.
It is no secret that pursuing a career in art is difficult in many ways so support is crucial. There are many high and lows and the people that still believe in you even when it’s hard are worth gold. Self motivation and inspiration is key to succeeding and getting somewhere and it can be really hard to keep going by yourself so you really remember these people who have been there for you on your journey.

Website: https://lagerstedart.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-winther-lagersted-67940895/

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