Meet Arbella Sawyer | Artist

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

Hi Arbella, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Honestly, one of my main motivations for success comes from my interactions with the people who follow me online. Being an artist can be especially difficult because we spend most of our time creating alone, and so much of the inspiration in life is found through our connection with others. Especially in these uncertain times since the pandemics, isolation can really take a toll on creativity. About 2 year ago I decided to make my paintings and my processes public, and that changed everything! Through my instagram I consistently get constructive feedback from my audience, and they have even named several of my paintings.

The repercussions of social media are hotly debated, and for good reason… but in my opinion the efficiency of any tool is dependent on the intention of the welder. If you want to share your creative work online, be careful not to attach you self worth to the outcome. Art is subjective by nature, and sometimes people won’t like your work. But finding the people who resonate with your creations makes everything worth it in the end.

Having an international community of art-loving people to share my artwork with keeps me motivated everyday to strive for improvement and push the boundaries of my capabilities.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I have often heard the term “mission statement” and wondered how it related to my art. What is the purpose of my work, why am I inspired to make it in the way that I do? Sometimes I like to imagine a more complicated answer, but the truth is simply that I want to create more beauty in the world. Pain and chaos exist and are unrelenting- I figure the best way to cope is not to fight it but to tip the scales. That is my personal contribution, anyways.

Art isn’t something I like to do, it’s something I could not live without doing. I have my fair share of storms in my mind and demons on my shoulder. Creating is a meditation, an osmosis of the soul. Emotions can be sifted and distilled from something raw and overwhelming into something simple and pure. You don’t need to be professional to make art, and certainly you should never let insecurity for the result keep you from the therapy of creating.

My public persona is very upbeat and optimistic, and while that is authentic, it is only the tip of the iceberg. The traumas we go through give depth to our character and meaning to our mission… as long as we are able to climb out of the trenches and get a healthy perspective. If my life can be an offering of beauty and encouragement to the world, then I would consider that a life well lived.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Five years ago I moved to Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. While there are many exciting places to visit in this area, Lyon is my favorite! It has the opportunities and appeals of a big city like Paris, while remaining a fraction of the size. Parc de la Tête d’Or is easily the most gorgeous park in my opinion. After a long walk in forest around its main lake, you can treat yourself to fresh chocolate crêpes and other goodies. There are many interesting little streets in Vieux Lyon (old Lyon), with gorgeous little shops and authentic lyonnaise cuisine. For dinner, drinks, and a side of dancing, I love to recommend F&K bistro club. Dancing is my favorite hobby, so if you also like to shake it then you will love it here. If any of you go to France, feel free to message my IG for more recommendations!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I grew up in a family of artists, and I am so grateful! Both of my parents and all 5 of their children (me being the youngest of the litter) are all involved in the arts- especially my father, Stephen Sawyer, who is a professional painter in Kentucky. It is a beautiful thing to not question your passion because you are in a family of kindred spirits, and it is surely because of this that I never felt dampened to pursue art. More than that, I felt challenged to improve! The talent of all of my family members contributed largely to my own personal drive.

Gary Doire, my husband, is my most honest cheerleader. Professionally, we are opposites- I’m a hippie artist from the United States and he is a rational French businessman. Even though he has no background in art, he gladly offers my his perspective everyday on my progress. He tells me honestly everything that thinks, whether it’s something he likes or dislikes. It is so helpful to have someone who loves you, wants the best for you, and is capable to deliver truly sincere feedback.

Having supportive people around you who are HONEST is vital to your success and self growth.

Website: www.arbellasawyer.com

Instagram: arbellasawyerart

Facebook: arbellasawyerart

Other: email – arbellasawyerart@gmail.com