Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Beth Baca.
Sarah Beth, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a college freshman, I fell in love with painting. I spent my college years and 20s exploring different art forms and media, finding my own unique style. I’ve always been a creative, but painting truly brought my unique expression to the surface. For several years I focused on impressionistic landscapes and still life, then moved on to a more whimsical modern style.
After years of painting, I decided to experiment with collage using paper and mixed media. I incorporated recycled papers and materials into my work as well as paint, ink, plaster, metal, and thread. Always looking for new techniques and styles to learn, my art went through many phases. In more recent years, I have moved toward watercolor and ink portraits and whimsical illustrations.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s not been easy, although I feel really privileged to have the support of my husband and family to pursue my dream. Some of the struggles have been learning what to say no to, managing time, and balancing art, work, and family life.
Carving out time to create is challenging at times, but I have always found time somehow. Sometimes doing a sketch while sitting in church on Sunday was the most creating I could do in a week. I also struggle with the marketing and business side of art. Finding others who are gifted in these areas and asking for help makes a big difference.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sarah Beth Baca Art – what should we know?
I’m a professional artist specializing in acrylic, watercolor, ink and mixed media. My most known work is currently my women of the Bible series titled “Full Image”. I’m so proud of this series because it came from a place of struggle and discovery in my faith journey. Through hours of reading and study, I had gained some fresh perspective on ancient stories of women of the Bible and wanted to share my discoveries in a unique and relevant way. This series consists of half face portraits of 25 different women from Scripture. The series is nearly complete, with a few more left to paint. I sell prints of these portraits online at Society6, and my plan is to compile the portraits into a coffee table style book.
Another vital component of my work is community art. I work as a Volunteer Coordinator at a non-profit organization called Friends of North Richmond, whose mission is to strengthen the community through spiritual growth, education, revitalization, and basic needs. This is a great place to share my artistic gifts with kids and adults alike. Another artist and I worked with the elementary kids in our after-school program to create art that described their unique vision for their community. This inspired the design for a community mural, which will be painted on the exterior of the Neighborhood Resource Center. We are encouraging the community to participate in painting the mural and look forward to seeing inspiration, collaboration, and relationships thrive through this project.
I have also had opportunities to teach workshops and art lessons to kids and adults over the years. I’ve completed many commissions for both private and public collections, as well as exhibiting my art at local coffee shops and wine bars.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Community. I need people. I need encouragement and to know that I’m not alone. Conversations with other artists are so invigorating and often give me that buzz to keep going and creating new things. My family and friends’ support is so valuable, and they do this so well.
Authenticity. Sharing where I am in my journey gives a deeper level of meaning to my art. When I am open to talk about my process and story with others, deeper connections are made with my work. Conversation is opened up and people relate more with to my art when they know the meaning and inspiration of a piece.
Endurance. When the life of an artist loses its luster, keep plugging along. It’s never as glamorous or exciting as it seems. But with passion, hard work, and dedication, I have reaped many rewards. Pushing through those slumps when I have little time or inspiration by doodling or teaching someone else a skill keeps me going.
Learning. Always be open to learning new skills, techniques and life stuff. No matter how good we are at something, we can always learn more. This enriches our art and broadens our reach.
Pricing:
- Prints ranging from $28 and up
- Original paintings starting at $200
- Mixed Media pieces starting at $45
Contact Info:
- Website: society6.com/sarahbethbacaart
- Phone: 281-433-6474
- Email: sarahbeth@attackpoverty.org
- Instagram: @sarahbethbacaart
- Facebook: @sarahbethart
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
