Quarterly Artisan Highlight: Painter Sarah Jane Tart
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In continuation of our celebration of the end of summer and beginning of fall (the air is finally cooling!!), I am so thrilled to introduce painter Sarah Jane Tart as our third quarter artisan highlight! As I have discussed in the past two quarterly highlights (furniture maker, Mike Bagley and stained glass maker, Poochie DeMars), I want to feature the work, talent and journeys of artisans around us that are using the gifts God blessed them with to bless others. There is so much to learn from those who are honing a craft and I find I particularly love hearing the stories of how they got to where they are today and what has driven them there. Whether it’s a search to try something new, a desire to reflect the beauty of nature, or the hope to build something beautiful, there always is a launching point for each creation. I hope that this quarterly highlight, and each highlight, will encourage you to step out, use the gifts you have and find beauty in creative endeavors.
For this quarter, I chose someone who’s work exemplifies the beauty of nature in light of the beauty of our Creator. Established in North Carolina, Sarah Jane Tart is a painter who beautifully captures both the joy and calm of coastal scenes. Whether viewing a bright still marsh landscape or a rich summer sunset, I have long been drawn to Tart’s work and her mission of creating “meaningful art for a beautiful life”. Tart is thoughtful, encouraging and uplifting in her responses to each question and I hope that this interview will encourage you too to expound upon the gifts you already are using to create something meaningful for a beautiful life.
Starting off, how does your background affect your work / what grew your interest in painting?
I grew up in a rural part of North Carolina, and I spent a lot of time outside playing in the creek behind my great-grandmother’s farm. I would search for crawdads and little pebble treasures for hours! I was also the kid with their head in the clouds — I thought that if I wanted to talk to God, the clouds were where to look for Him! So a fascination with water and the sky, which I paint to this day, started very young!
I’ve always been up to some kind of creative project — painting, sewing, jewelry-making, photography, theater, pottery, singing, graphic design — I have tried them all! Painting is just the one that I constantly come back to and never tire of. It’s the one that stuck!
I love the movement you capture within each painting; where do you find inspiration?
Aww, thank you! Nature is my constant inspiration and companion. We live on the coast, so I love exploring in the marsh — and the sky is always providing new colors and shapes to bring into my paintings! I suppose I gather inspiration from lots of little moments. I try to do something outside every day, even if it’s just eating my lunch under a Live Oak tree or taking a 20-minute break to collect shells on the beach!
What time of day is your favorite to create / when you feel most creative?
I feel most creative in the mornings, so I like to paint early in the day when I can, but really any time I can get is fair game! If nighttime is the only option, then I just trick myself into being creative by putting on fun music or a podcast, flipping through some books, sketching and filling a mug with something delectable!
Describe your favorite piece you’ve ever created.
Whatever I have just finished painting is almost always my new favorite! It keeps me motivated to paint the next thing because I’ll only love it more. My husband jokes that every new collection is my favorite!
Has your style evolved over time?
Absolutely, 100%! It’s constantly changing as I learn to let go and trust in the process. It’s like I’m learning who I am and where God wants me to go next!
Do you have a network of other artisans that you collaborate with, and if so, how does this impact your work?
I’m extremely thankful to have several very sweet and supportive artist friends. I’ll message Valerie Leuchs to bounce an idea off of, or grab a drink with Kelsey Howard and Daisy Faith to celebrate a collection launch. Right now, I’m actually working with my dear friend Christy M. King to create a collaborative collection!
There are also so many creative ladies, who I work with throughout the year, like photographer Emily March Payne. Or designer Bekah Bohlen of Pinola Press, who I’m creating a stationary line with for the holidays! It’s just fun to share this journey with friends!
And I would be remiss not to mention Liza Pruitt and Hayley Price (of The Scouted Studio), the gallerists who represent my work so beautifully. They are both always up for any idea, which is so creatively freeing in the studio, so I couldn’t be more grateful!
Is there a specific environment or material that is integral to your art creation?
Nature! Living on the coast has been transformative to my art practice, as I’m constantly surrounded by the scenes I love to paint. I’ve even started using seashells that I’ve collected as painting tools in the studio!
Who or what most influences your pieces?
My faith is what guides me, so it only feels natural to let that guide my paintings as well. I want my work to be not just beautiful, but meaningful, so I find meaning in love. The purpose behind everything I create is to share God’s love!
To me your work is both calming and joyful at the same time. When you are creating a body of work, what do you want people to take away from your art?
Thank you, that’s the perfect way to put it — calming and joyful! With every painting I create, they become more and more like me, and I’m a pretty calm and happy person!
I hope that my paintings inspire people to live beautiful, fulfilling lives that are full of happiness and love!
What’s a fun fact about you people will be surprised by?
I worked at a national advertising agency right out of college where I created graphics for brands like Coca-Cola, Samsung, ESPN and Crocs. Now, every time I see one of their ads, it takes me back!
Final Thoughts
I have loved the opportunity to get to know Sarah Jane and so appreciate her willingness to share her journey as an artist. If you are interested in her work or adding a piece to your home (she just came out / is currently coming out with new collections!!), head over to her site, Sarahjanetart.com, or view her work at The Scouted Studio and Liza Pruitt.
Many thanks to photographer, Emily March Payne, for her beautiful photos of Tart’s work.
