Meet Sarah Moriarty | Artist

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

Hi Sarah, what are you inspired by?
My creativity and art are deeply inspired by the ocean, especially here on the east coast, where I live in a small seaside community. There’s a quiet beauty in the slow coastal lifestyle that surrounds me, where life moves at its own pace. It’s easy to see the beauty here from the soft shimmer of sunlight on the water, the way the tide slowly pulls back to reveal a more rugged ocean floor or watching the waves crash and spray off the coastline . These details, inspire me to paint. Beauty often lies in the simplest, little moments. No matter what mood I’m in, I can always feel the ocean’s ebb and flow The ocean’s energy has a way of guiding my creativity, reminding me that both quiet reflection and powerful expressions are essential in art.

I’m also deeply inspired by the women in my life who took the path less travelled to become artists. Their courage to follow their creative passions, no matter the obstacles, has been a constant source of strength for me. They taught me to trust in my own voice and to let my creativity speak freely and without fear of judgment. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a community of strong, creative women whose work and energy inspire me every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is all about experimentation and play. it’s my way of expressing myself. For a long time, I believed I had to find a specific style and stick to it, so people would recognize a painting as a “Sarah Moriarty Art” piece. But as I grew, I realized I wanted to explore. I wanted my art to reflect how I feel in the moment, and each painting tells that personal story.

I sometimes incorporate different techniques, such as fluid art, gold foil, and a range of textures and mediums, to add depth and complexity to my work. While my paintings are inspired by the coastal beauty, lifestyle, and the natural world around me, they are also deeply influenced by my personal journey of experiencing loss , my resilience and gaining the confidence to let this side of me out. This emotional narrative gives my art a unique depth, allowing it to be felt on a level beyond the visual. I invite people to connect not just with what they see, but with the story and emotions that lie beneath the surface.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, there would be so many wonderful places to explore along the South Shore. We’d start by relaxing on my beach and spending time on the water in the cove. We’d definitely visit local restaurants like The Tuna Blue, Rosa Rugosa, and The Gratto, and catch a concert at the Shore Club, known as Nova Scotia’s last great dance hall. I’d also plan day trips to watch the sunset at Peggy’s Cove and to see the Bluenose in Lunenburg, soaking in all the beauty and history this area has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This book truly transformed my life. It provided me with invaluable tools and, more importantly, the belief in myself to trust my creativity and embrace the identity of an artist. The twelve-week program, which I’ve completed twice, was made even more meaningful by the incredible group of women I had the privilege of doing it with. Each woman was on her own unique journey, yet we were all so supportive of each other. The connections I made through this program continue to thrive, and many of those women have become my closest friends and biggest cheerleaders. I also want to express my deep gratitude to two extraordinary women, whose guidance, support, and friendship have profoundly impacted my career: both artists, among many other titles, Kristen Herrington and Stephanie McNamara. I’m so thankful for their presence in my life.

Website: https://Sarahmoriartyart.com

Instagram: Sarahmoriarty_art

Image Credits
Stephanie McNamara