ABOUT THE ARTIST
WHAT DO YOU LOVE?
"I think I'll always be fascinated by art in all of its forms for it's capacity to create and tell stories in ways that are truly, soul-fulfilling. I am excited to be sharing what I love to do on this site, and spreading a message of empowerment, because to me, that's important. In my life, art has always helped me feel uplifted, and inspired in a way that is therapeutic, reflective, and enlightening, not only for myself, but for others to explore the concepts, visuals, sounds, and words of serenity too." Sarah Leo
SNAPSHOT BIO
Sarah Leo is a Calabrese-Canadian artist, professional musician, and writer from Ladysmith, BC, whose passion for the beauty of everyday life and connection describes every decision and indie movie she's ever loved. Some of her favorite things are sunshine, walking to music, and working on her passions as a full-time artist. Sarah grew up on the golden prairie fields of Alberta listening to stories her Italian grandparents would tell, and later found herself writing to explore the depths of all meaning, and storytelling in multiple mediums. Sarah has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts and English, and a Bachelor of Education degree in high school teaching that ultimately inspired more art in celebration of connection, love, and light. To learn more about Sarah's mixed media photography, painted jean jackets, music, and self published poetry, read on.
STILL & MOVING ART
Mixed media photography paintings started out as a walk on a sunny day, which turned into photos taken in bliss, to supporting local by enlarging said photos, then painting on them, just for fun. I then proceeded to layer motivational text over, which manifested into art cards, and multiple types of prints including canvas, acrylic, and metal. WHY? Because all of it made me happy. Light captured in my sunlight-only photos was a metaphor for focusing on the beautiful parts of life to enjoy, or for bringing yourself back to serenity. Painting photography was an act of self expression, a bit of rebellion, and ultimately, further exploration of happiness. I love that saying, "we are not a drop in the ocean, we are an ocean in a drop", which I had in my mind while painting multicolored drops on every photo. Hope you enjoy : )
I labeled this section "moving art" in part, because it makes me really wonder about the idea of a moving art installation. Have you heard of one? What if painting jean jackets with text and art that made the owner feel incredible, was a way to spread those ideas of positive self worth, celebrated authenticity, and lets face it, a bit of spunk to other people wherever their footsteps went, as a constantly moving canvas?! Painting denim is what I do, and also what I love. Custom commission orders and premade painted jackets available.
MUSIC
Having a background in theatre, singing every year since the age of 7, and always finding joy in discovering new music to dance around the house to, not to mention perform, has brought me to this medium of art. My style of music is constantly changing as I like to play within the genres, but delivery has always been to sing heartfelt songs on my guitar and ukulele in a sonically blended open-hall way.
Music is awesome.
WRITINGS
So for this section, I want to discuss Mosaic Light, Letters of Love Written in Light, and my book to be, complete at 78,000 words seeking publication.
Mosaic Light is a 62 page poetry collection into 4 chapters called The Human Experience, Spirituality, The Arts, & Dreaming Awake. I wrote it over a few years of pulling out a pen at anything that made me curious, inspired, or appreciative of how ridiculously beautiful this life can be.
Letters of Love Written in Light merges 30 of my mixed media photography paintings as visual prompts to corresponding poetry that is meant to be torn out, and written on, as a memory keeper. It's a fun little something for slipping love notes under doorways.
Last but not least, is to describe my latest 78,000 word novel. Although the title is confidential, I can in fact let you in on little a secret.. You ready? Haha, oh the tension ; ) ! Prepare yourselves for a story similar in essence to Constantine, the Harry Potter series, Dash and Lily, a bit of Narnia in its secret book store entrance, and the premise of Wheres Waldo in a Gilmore Girls meets maritime town : )
DEDICATION <3
If you've made it this far, Id like to thank you for your time, and leave you with this... To everyone who’s found light, are looking for light, or have come to the realization that they can be a light for others in all of the beautiful and unique ways of being and existing, my work is inspired by you.
Much appreciation, Sarah Leo