In the Studio | Sarah White
Sarah White is a visual artist living and working in Seattle, Washington. Her abstract painting style is founded in White’s long-standing interest in old objects and decay, having photographed obscure details in nature since her childhood. Her work explores cultural expectations around repair or disposal. It is her hope that her large-scale, minimal, color-field paintings evoke the feeling of nostalgia she finds in all things that age well.
TAPPAN
Tell us about this body of work launching on Tappan?
SARAH WHITE
The inspiration behind each piece varies greatly in this collection. Some of my paintings were inspired by nature and others from timeless places and objects that feel nostalgic to me. The common thread throughout is how I’ve abstracted these ideas in a way that feels atmospheric, aged, organic, and calming.
TAPPAN
Describe your work in three words.
SARAH WHITE
Organic, timeless, subtle.
TAPPAN
What is your creation process like? How are you conceptualizing and thinking about each of these pieces?
SARAH WHITE
I have a massive repository of everyday things I’ve seen that I want to paint, like layers of paint and time exposed on crumbling walls, a decomposing piece of fruit, an old book, rusty details on a vintage car, etc. I know the exact colors I want and I mix them up. I have a rough idea of composition in my head but I keep it loose, and I just jump right in. I paint on the floor, pour diluted acrylic on the canvas and blend with a roller. I get different effects based on how saturated the canvas is and how long it’s been drying.
TAPPAN
Would you say you have a studio philosophy?
SARAH WHITE
An observation I’ve made so far in my practice is that I go in with some idea of a color palette, composition, or general inspiration and the end result almost never turns out exactly as expected. I like this in part because I don’t want to worry about control or precision, I like being loose with things. I remain open-minded, playful, and lean in to what’s happening in front of me.
Sarah White says
“Colors and textures found in nature, very old things, patina, décollage (like torn and decaying old posters on walls), and there are many micro moments and snapshots I see in ordinary things throughout my day that inspire me.”
TAPPAN
If you could travel anywhere to create for a while, where would you go?
SARAH WHITE
Next on my list is Mexico City. Then Japan!
TAPPAN
What are your other hobbies?
SARAH WHITE
I dance intuitively all the time at home and will go out dancing for a good DJ. I collect vintage and especially love one-of-a-kind pieces that have tons of visible aging. I take pictures everywhere I go.
TAPPAN
What influences you?
SARAH WHITE
Colors and textures found in nature, very old things, patina, décollage (like torn and decaying old posters on walls), and there are many micro moments and snapshots I see in ordinary things throughout my day that inspire me.
TAPPAN
How many hours do you try to work in the studio per week?
SARAH WHITE
For the last several months I’ve actually had to peel myself away from studio time because I enjoy it so much. I’d estimate 35 hours a week and that’s with a full-time job.
TAPPAN
Silence or sound while creating? If sound, what?
SARAH WHITE
Sound for sure! Dub house is my go-to. I like how I can enter a trance-like state of focus or dance around my studio to it.
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