Resident artist Feature: Sarah Forgé
Behind the Canvas
Vibrant surrealist paintings exploring the depths.
How long have you been making art?
"I’ve been making visual art for 5 years, although I was a ballet dancer for 18. I went from performing to visual arts when I was 24."
How did you get your start?
"I started out in ballet when I was about 3 years old, fell in love with it & though I don’t dance professionally anymore, dance is a huge part of my story and influences the work I make today. I’ve always had an urge to paint, and after ending my ballet career, decided to follow that instinct. I experimented with acrylic, clay sculptures, dioramas and ultimately landed on oil painting. I haven’t missed a single day of painting since. The first 2 years I spent self taught. I found my way to Atelier Dojo in east Austin to receive formal training."
What's a fun fact about you as an artist?
“I love bright colors, but melancholy themes. The juxtaposition I try to incorporate in a comprehensive way.”
SARAH’s art practice:
“I get a lot of composition ideas while I’m driving and letting my mind drift while I look up at the clouds. When I’m really excited about an idea, I jump in obsessively, spending hours- sometimes days- at the easel.
Thematically, my artworks tend to veer towards dark surrealism. I write down every idea and move as quickly as I can through the list to create. I don’t think I’ll ever catch up with myself, but I'm confident that this is how I process emotions, thoughts and information.”
Where can we find your work?
“You can find my work at ArtUs Co and Riches Art Gallery. I also set up a vending booth every once in a while on South Congress.”
Want to see more? Check out her work at @SarahForgeArt on Instagram.
