Sallie Sanderson
Tell us a little bit about you?
“I am an artist… …as far as I’m concerned, the word means, ‘I am looking. I am hunting for it. I am deeply involved.” ~Vincent Van Gogh To have the ability to create has always been at the core of my peace and wellbeing.
As a child, my first kindergarten painting was pinned up between my artist uncle’s paintings and professional photography on my grandparents' wall. My Grandma told me I was an artist. It was the single most joyous moment of my childhood living in Echuca, in country Victoria.Fast forward to 2021, with the COVID epidemic at its peak, and experiencing a rapid decline in my mental health; I left my employment of 10 years working with autistic and special needs children and embarked on a long-term self-care sabbatical. Art became my full-time therapy.
Each piece is deeply personal connecting with my 20 years struggle with mental illness.
As a self-taught artist, I intuitively explore ethereal, otherworldly images and landscapes using abstract expressionism. Gold leaf often features in my artworks. I use elements of the natural world, and my inner world experiences and responses to create a feeling of escapism, hope, and acceptance. When I paint, I completely immerse myself into a state of being fully present and let whatever arises create a visual representation of emotional expression onto the canvas.
My intention is to bring awareness to mental health and mental illness through my art.My intention for the viewer is that they find a connection to their own hopes and dreams through my artworks. A connection to authenticity and vulnerability. A connection to self-acceptance and inner peace. I live in Blackburn, Melbourne with my husband of twenty years and two teenage boys. I have a 2-year-old pup, Muggsy, that doesn’t leave my side, two mature Bengal cats, and two chickens that live in a coop that rivals the Taj Mahal! I also enjoy writing poetry and often include one with my artwork.
What is your favourite drink?
T2 Jade Mountain green tea. I drink it by the bucket full.
I Love G&T and espresso martini to.
What inspired you to start painting?
My grandma was my biggest advocate. She loved it when I painted. I studied art in high school and she kept many of my pieces. I wish she was still here to see what I have achieved later in life. During my boys' childhood, I painted their room with a mural of Toy Story and later Star Wars, (which is still there today!). I also donated my time to school art classes and donated my artworks for fundraising. Now, mental health is my biggest motivator to keep doing what I love with greater attention and purpose.
What advice would you give other artists/creatives starting out?
Don't make your expectation of success based on making money out of your creative work. Especially in the first few years. This is the time to find your style, perfect your skills, and create things uniquely yours. I believe success is defined by what creating an artwork adds to my life. How painting makes me feel and how this benefits my mental health. Success is finding fulfilling happiness in the process and the outcome in every piece I paint.
When others see my work and want it in their own life to enjoy, I get to witness their happiness in receiving something I created. To me, that's true success. Sales are just the added bonus to buying more canvas and art supplies!
What advice would you give other artists/creatives starting out?
Don't be hard on yourself. Creating is about the process, not just the outcome. Explore, take risks, colour outside the lines and let it all be a messy failure. Scream! Cry! Swear! Throw something if you have to; then pick yourself up and start creating all over again. This is growth, this is an opportunity for new ideas to form and to find what elements you are particularly drawn to.
Do reach out to other local artists. Follow them on social media and ask for their support back. Create a network of like-minded people for encouragement, likes, sharing news, making friendships, and feeling genuinely supported in the art community.
You can read more about Sallie Sanderson here.