Sarah Renzi Sanders: Contemporary Surrealism
Sarah Renzi Sanders is known for her vivd, dreamlike paintings inspired by her own life experiences. Rich in symbolism, Sarah’s work takes on a metaphysical quality, with a sense of otherworldly mystery unfolding in each piece. Inspired by her daily meditation practice, Sarah looks inward to gather inspiration for her surreal works of art.
Tell me about your background and where your creative journey began.
I was born in Washington DC and am the oldest of 5 children. I have a twin but I am two minutes older :) I was lucky enough to grow up in a home where my creativity was encouraged. My mother set up a room in our house that was basically a big studio for all the kids to make messes and create. I was in first grade when I realized I was an artist. My teacher was always praising my work and hanging it up on the chalkboard as examples for the rest of the children. I was extremely shy in school and this made me uncomfortable. However looking back, if it wasn't for that teacher, I probably wouldn't have realized that I had this artistic ability. I always took art electives in high school but when I got to college, I thought it seemed "unrealistic" to pursue a career in art. I did not know any female artists or any artists who had made a successful career with their work so I majored in history and minored in art. I taught art to children for ten years before the birth of my third child. It wasn't until I was 30 years old that I rediscovered my passion for creating.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I find inspiration everywhere but first I must look inward and find my own stillness. I am a naturally anxious person with countless thoughts, ideas, and worries constantly running through my brain. I meditate daily to center myself. It is only when I can find this internal stillness that I open myself up to the inspiration that surrounds me. I find the most inspiration in my daily life when I am able to stay centered and in the present moment. I find inspiration by sitting on my back porch, listening to the birds and walking through the woods. This is most often when the universe sends me signs or synchronicities that remind me to trust and believe in magic again. Sometimes a hummingbird, a butterfly, or a cardinal will ground me in the beauty of the present moment and I will add that little messenger to a painting. I also find inspiration playing with my children, which brings me back to my own childhood. My past and childhood are extremely important to my art. I practice shadow work, which is examining repressed memories, emotions, and the darkness in our subconscious in order to fully heal ourselves. My body of work in many ways is the visual expression of my shadow work married with the beauty of my own healing.
How has your work shifted and evolved over time?
I began creating in my adult life with the goal to sell and exhibit art. One day a curator asked me, "Who is Sarah Renzi Sanders, the artist?" I did not have an answer. It was then that I realized I was creating art for others. After much soul searching, meditation, and shadow work, I began to conceive a series that was an authentic expression of my own journey. My abstract work began to become more surreal and I started to put myself in my work. In 2019, I began creating work that was uniquely mine, without worrying about whether it would make people uncomfortable. I began to look inward, embracing my flaws and my past. I tried to share as much of my journey as possible because I knew there were others like me. It was scary to share my own struggles with mental health, anxiety, and depression, but this is when people really began connecting to my work. I am so grateful that I made the decision to take off my mask and share my authentic self through my art. Creating this body of work has been so healing for me and it has opened the door for others to talk about difficult topics. By sharing our own vulnerability, we are showing others that they are not alone.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
Honestly there is no "typical" day in the studio! I have a home studio and I used to paint daily during my youngest's nap time. I had a year when all my children were in school full time and it was glorious because I had hours a day to paint! Covid happened and the kids were home a lot more. My son, 5, had been in a full day program for children on the autism spectrum for the past two years. In September, he started in a half-day Pre-k neurotypical classroom. It is harder to find time to get in the studio because I pick him up at noon. I went from being able to practice art daily in my studio to only being able to get in there three times a week if I'm lucky. I am adjusting. Now that my kids are growing up and each have their crazy schedules, I get in the studio when I can. I usually have multiple pieces of the same series that I am working on. I decide which piece I am feeling at that moment and I get to work. I allow my work to unfold naturally. I try not to force anything. When I am in my studio, I am in total flow and often lose track of time. I have to set an alarm for when it is time to go pick up the kids. I understand my life in seasons or cycles and this is just a season of more reflection and planning than physical creation. I know once all of my children are in school full time, I will have more time to create.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
Motherhood has greatly impacted my work as an artist. The birth of my daughter was a major turning point in my life. I had her when I was 20 years old and while I was still in college. This experience motivated me even more to find a career after graduation. I decided to become an art teacher, which was the perfect career for me as a new mother and recent graduate. Teaching art to children reawakened my love for art. I was so inspired everyday by my students. I learned so much from these children, as well as from designing an art curriculum. I taught art for 10 years and I grew so much during that time. When I had my third child, I decided that it made more sense to stay home with the cost of childcare. While being home, I discovered the value of my son's daily nap time. I began to use this time to experiment and start an art practice. I had always been creating art for my own home but now I was able to create and sell work for other people's homes. It gave me a sense of purpose and something of my own, outside of being a mother. Much of my work examines the loss of self that women experience when becoming mothers and my own journey has greatly shaped the art I create today.
How has Instagram impacted your art career?
Instagram has hugely impacted my career. I created an Instagram page for my art in 2017. Starting @renzisandrerart, encouraged me to create more and share my work. I was astounded at how many incredibly talented artists there were just in the Washington D.C. metro area. Once I started getting a little following, I felt more comfortable sharing my work. I began discovering open calls, finding places to exhibit, and connecting to art communities in my area Instagram, which was so energizing. At first, it was very uncomfortable for me to share my intimate work and I would get caught up in the likes and follows. Nowadays I really don't care how many likes or follows I get. I just want to be reaching the right people. I want people to connect with my work and I have been able to do that on a global scale through Instagram.
What are your future goals and aspirations?
In the near future, I am planning a solo show of my work from my "Unmasking the Self" series, details tbd. I have also always wanted to host a virtual art course. At the moment, I am not technologically savvy enough, but I am certain if I put in the time and effort to learn, I could make this happen. Something I have always wanted to do but years away is to write and illustrate a book of art and meditations. I would also love for the book to have an accompanying Tarot or Oracle deck. Tarot has been an important part of my soul work ever since I found a mysterious tarot deck next to my grandmother's grave...true story! I have the lofty goal of raising the vibration of humanity through encouraging others to look inward and heal themselves.
Website: www.renzisandersart.com
Instagram: @renzisandersart