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

Hi Sarah, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Solitude in nature. I feel closest to myself, to a higher power, and to the world around me (seen and unseen) when I am alone in the woods. Paradoxically, I am never actually alone in nature – I am surrounded by trees, by birds, by insects, by entire communities we aren’t fully aware of, all of which are interconnected. We all originate from and return to the same source. And we all cause a ripple effect that spans time and space. My time in nature reminds me who I am and what a gift it is to be here, to play a part in this dance that is life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My path as an artist has been somewhat unconventional. I never went to art school, but I’ve been working in ceramic studios since I was 17. I’m self-taught and have also had the pleasure of learning from a number of incredible artists. So far my practice has led to learning opportunities in New York, New Mexico, Maine, and South Korea. This fall I will continue to expand my practice in Morocco, next year in Mexico. Being an eternal student is what drives me. I never want to stop learning. And if I’m able to learn while connecting with other people and cultures through clay, even better.

The idea of oneness permeates my practice. I constantly think about how connected we all are – to each other and to the earth, physically and spiritually. Subtle references to botanic life, natural landscapes, cycles, codependency, and the passage of time are often present in my work. My intention is to invite others to develop a more intimate relationship with the world around us. Ultimately when we connect with nature, we connect with others and with ourselves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I’d take them to my secret swimming and hiking spots along the Hudson Valley. One hiking spot in particular leads to a creek with the most beautiful wild clay.

Aside from the hidden spots, I’d take them on a food tour. Padrona for incredible cocktails and snacks, Cafe Mutton for superb brunch and dinner – both are in Hudson. I also adore The Aviary in Kinderhook, everything they serve is spectacular. To get my Filipino food fix I go to Chee-bog in Cohoes and Harana Market in Woodstock.

As for art, I’m partial to sculpture gardens. I love wandering around Art Omi and Storm King with friends. Opus 40 is another sculpture park that should not be missed – it is centered around one massive stonework sculpture you could explore for hours.

And I always bring friends to Rodgers Book Barn in Hillsdale. It’s exactly what it sounds like: the most charming little barn converted into a used book store. It’s off the beaten path, surrounded by trees and no cell service. You can find every kind of book inside. I recommend reading newfound gems in the garden out back.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I would not be doing what I love if it weren’t for the countless friends, family members, and mentors who have encouraged me, taught me, and generously shared their studios and kilns with me over the years. I owe everything to my community. And to my amazing husband, Brian. He is my biggest supporter and has always believed in me – sometimes more than I believed in myself. Brian has always encouraged me to move towards what I once thought was impossible. He also helps me to no end; from picking up clay orders to loading larger work into the kiln to cooking for us daily. He is the most loving and supportive partner. I am ever grateful for him.

Website: https://sarahmijaresfick.com

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

Image Credits
Em McCann Zauder Natasha Garoosi Sarah Mijares Fick Tintorería María Romero

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