ARTIST STATEMENT
I collage and paint to experience the world with greater clarity and resonance. I draw inspiration from a variety of sources from fashion, nature, and interpersonal relationships. In Lanterns (2023), a watercolor on a female friend’s denim infused, handmade paper I painted a pair of bird-centaur children. They hold up lanterns curiously for closer observation in a way reminiscent of many fond memories I have of exploring the world with girlfriends as a child. Another example of this is, Mrs. Ford (2023) a painting inspired by a 18th century portrait of a woman by the same name as the title. In the painting she is surrounded by musical instruments and sheet music to display her accomplishments for the viewer. It recalled a childhood friend I had who later went on to be a violinist. The figure has the head of a grey hound because I feel they both had a similar elegant demeanor and alert expression. Hammock (2023) an exploration of my more current female relationships with two animal-human hybrids, a Jackalope and Fox respectively lounging in a hammock together in imitation of many informal 19th century portraits of female friends of that era. In the distance a storm can be seen advancing on the couple and the fox seems to be grasping the Jackalope in what can be seen as a proprietary way. Despite the adversity within and without the relationship they can both be seen to be huddling together to brace against the storms life often brings.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I am an artist from Cincinnati, OH. I graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor’s in Illustration from the Art Academy of Cincinnati. That same year I received an Award for Excellence in the Visual from the Independent College and Universities of Ohio. Since 2013, I have been working out of my studio at the Pendleton Art Center in Over-the Rhine, Cincinnati. My art is on display in Studio 414 in the Pendleton Art Center and also on display at MiCA 12/v in Over-the-Rhine. My work has been featured in two motion pictures. I have instructed art privately, in after school programs and fine art centers. I paint, sculpt, draw and digitally collage artwork inspired by my fascination with historical fashion, the natural world and philosophy. I create to enhance and elucidate the underlying structure of my personal life the world around me.
© Sarah Rocheleau