The Countdown: Colombia and a Passion for Life

Sarah Crawford :: The Countdown :: 32cm x 32cm :: Acrylic on canvas

It’s been a quiet time for my artwork since returning from Colombia.  I’ve been busy, yes, definitely there is that.  I also had that feeling after those amazing trips when you wonder where your place is in the world.  You don’t feel as inspired by your surrounds because you have just returned from something so different, so spectacular and life changing that you can’t imagine going back to the life you once had.  The things before you went away that you were unhappy with are magnified ten times over.  A million times over.  You wonder how you let them stay in your life.  Maybe because you were in the countdown.  The countdown to the dream holiday.  You can put up with so much when you know you have something wonderful to look forward to.

So when you return, there is no countdown.  It has dissolved.  Gone.  You have your memories of a world that was fun, where you smiled each day, laughed, experienced the new, explored and loved every moment.  There were no pressures.  You did what made you happy, each day was about living for joy, making the most of it all and capturing moments so you can hold onto them forever.  You felt a warmth in your heart because you are feeling passion for life, you are living.

The few months after returning from this trip I found it hard to paint.  My surrounds and my life were no longer inspiring me in the same way.  I wasn’t feeling that same passion I had experienced.  So it became a quiet time for my creations.  Trying out new techniques, sketching up new ideas.  Nothing really filling my heart with a sense of love.

It took me two months to make big changes to find that passion for life, for creating.  And another month to really start feeling myself again.  My trip to Colombia changed my life.  It was everything I had dreamed of and more.  It left me with a sense of happiness but also the urge to be there once more.  So I now have made my own countdown.  It doesn’t have any number of days just a knowledge that someday I would be back there, in Cartagena, listening to the music, laughing and happy, in awe of a culture that is so spectacular and rich in history. And now, I am sitting here, full of passion for life, and in what I do.  I am on my new adventure with no idea what will come next other than something fresh.  Something new and before I know it the countdown of days will be on again to go back to Cartagena.  But for now, I paint and have new ideas, am finding inspirations in so many places – and dreaming of relaxing in a hammock in the not too distant future.

Sarah xo

The painting ‘The Countdown’ is the first for me in 2012 and is part of series of the same name.  It represents the need for passion in life and of living each day with hope and happiness and believing there is a countdown to something even more spectacular to look forward to.

Click here to view this artwork and more at www.sarahcrawford.com.au

What a Year the Cat Meowed! (and How I Love Colombia!)

Leia the Cat :: Pencil, ink, markers & gouache on canvas paper

2011… what can I say?  It’s been an interesting year with some life changing experiences that I will never forget.  This year I wanted to learn. And learn I did! I painted more than I have painted before.  I created some of my favourite pieces and sold out of most of my works – both older works and nearly all of my new works from 2011.  And I have a busy schedule ahead for 2012, a year that is going to be a big one, my biggest yet!

I was completely inspired and fell in love with Colombia and in particular beautiful Cartagena.  My first visit to South America and a dream since I was a little girl.  I was so moved by the culture, the architecture, the people, the music, the food, the atmosphere – what an experience.  Life changing doesn’t even begin to explain how wonderful it was.

2012 is going to be wonderful… with all I have learnt and experienced in 2011… it’s only up from here!

Romance of New

Sarah Crawford :: It Ended in Tears :: Acrylic on ply wood

 

How appropriate it is sometimes… that it all ended in tears… and then it is time for change because it can’t be denied anymore… and you look at the romance of new… of fresh beginnings and a time to explore… and this moment I find I am in over and over is my sign to remind me of what is important… of what makes my laughter my life… decisions… decisions…

Sarah Crawford :: This Moment :: Acrylic on ply wood

 

Sarah Crawford :: Romance of New :: Acrylic on ply wood

 

Sarah Crawford :: Decisions :: Acrylic on ply wood

Picturesque… A Moment in Time

Sarah Crawford :: 'Picturesque' :: 25cm x 25cm :: Acrylic on ply wood

Reflection… and how you want to capture that moment in time that is so beautiful… that is picturesque.  That moment can be as simple as realising that the only thing holding you back is yourself.  When you are stripped back to nothing to find yourself wanting to step forward and take on the world… live your dreams and show the world you are not afraid.

That picturesque moment when that moment in time is so beautiful.  You know you can achieve your dreams xo

New Beginnings on a Lazy Day

Sarah Crawford :: New Beginnings :: 25cm x 25cm :: Acrylic on ply wood

 

New Beginnings.  Some small, some big.  So much to be excited about.  So many opportunities, so much progress.  I find myself appreciating every moment in life more than ever before.  Savouring the moments of feeling the fresh air on my skin.  I dream of a lazy day, the breeze in my hair, lying in a hammock under trees by the ocean, the sun on my skin, in a place I have never been.  Each day I know that the day is closer for my lazy day.  The reward for all the dedication and love put into my every day.   A lazy day to reflect and smile. To think of the beauty of the past and the prospect of a beautiful future.   I will have my one lazy day in Colombia, my dream since I was a young girl, studying the map of South America.  Not long now.  I can count the days until I am there.

Sarah Crawford :: Lazy Day :: 25cm x 25cm :: Acrylic on ply wood

Wide Eyed and Willing

Sarah Crawford :: Together We Travel ::30.5m x 41cm : Acrylic on canvas

I remember a time feeling so free, vulnerable yet free.  When I had less but I had so much more.  I remember the sun was always shining.  The ocean was a constant companion.  Music was my inspiration.  Learning in new surroundings, full of wide eyes.  I remember it as the good life.  Days filled with pretty dresses so bright it made me smile. A girl on the verge of a world she knew little about.  It was like a retreat, a dream.  I felt like Little Miss Sunshine, with poetry on my mind and the belief that romance is not dead.  I was reaching for the stars, because I believe we are made to reach for the stars.  And all those little extras that define your style.  Our future.  Love, love LOVE.

I reminded myself each day with a few words from Walt Disney… “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”.

All My Life

Sarah Crawford :: All My Life (Dave Grohl) :: Acrylic & spraypaint on canvas

 

I always wondered where you were heading.  Where your talent would take you, and how far you would go.  All that I wanted had engulfed my life, suspended my freedom for it had me by the neck, had taken my ability to see clearly.  The fear somehow pushed the need and the need helped me see clearly.  A vicious circle that was being forced and causing confusion and anxiety alongside building strength and determination never before felt.  Searching for the light, the steady rocks moving and falling from under my feet.  The only option to fly, alone, and feel the weight lift, floating along, a watchful eye over the world.  Trust and faith my wings would stay strong, keep me so high, away from the dangers.  I feel the air passing by, the drops of rain touch my skin and I feel so alive.  I have no regrets only thanks for the opportunity to have learnt lessons in life.  Lessons that build strength in my wings and allow me to fly.  For when you fly and float along in the breeze you have time to see the beauty of life.  To find passion in life.  To live life. To love.

Red Hot Love in a Ray of Light

Sarah Crawford :: Ray of Light :: Mixed media illustration and collage

Passion is such a powerful force. I try to find it in my every day.  Passion for life.  Passion for love.  Passion for my art.  Passion for living.  Like a ray of light you see, so strong it pushes away the doubt, the insecurities, the fear and the negativity.  It makes you smile.  It helps you say to yourself each day as you wake that the day will be special.  The ray of light keeps reminding you of how lucky you are each night as you fall to sleep.  It shows you in so many things the beauty and gives you a red hot love for life.

Sarah Crawford :: Red Hot Love :: Mixed media illustration and collage

Perception… A Nude… So Simple

Sarah Crawford :: Perception :: Acrylic on Canvas

I love the simplicity of colour blocking and I love black and white and grey.  I love the contrast between solid black and white – and the black dots on the silver in this piece.  It’s like an optical illusion.  From far away it looks solid where the dots are but the closer you get you realise it’s actually quite detailed.  The perception of a simple piece that is in fact quite detailed.

… while you think you have me all figured out – like I am all black and white and a shade of grey…. what you fail to see is the complexity that makes me so special and very unique… you think I am simple and not worthy of you attention… that I am 1+1=2, black + white = grey… when if you actually opened your eyes and came a little closer you would see your perception of me is all wrong… there is so much more than you realise, right in front of you… I only smile at this because I realise that you will see my beauty… but only when it’s once again far away, out of your reach… and you will wonder how you missed seeing that beauty of detail when it was right in front of you…

xo

Contemplation at Gainsborough Greens Art Awards

Sarah Crawford with 'Contemplation' painting at the Gainsborough Greens Art Awards Exhibition 2011

I always get so excited when I am going to see my artwork in an exhibition – but then I get completely shy when I have my photo taken next to it!  Today I went out the Gainsborough Greens Art Awards  and Exhibition to see my painting ‘Contemplation’ that was selected for display.  I don’t think I realised just how big the work was (and how many dots were on the canvas!) until I saw this photo!  The winner was announced last night at the official exhibition opening and it is the horse just to the right of my piece (behind my head!) so I’m sure to have lots of viewers over the 5 days of the exhibition with such a great position.  I was at the Miami Marketta with my art stand so couldn’t make it to the opening but was great to be able to see it today – and it was such a beautiful day to visit the Gainsborough Greens development.

If you get the chance and you are on the Gold Coast – there are some great artworks out there – and I got to see some kangaroos so was rather pleased!

Sarah xo

Gainsborough Greens Art Awards 2011

‘Contemplation’ is on display as part of  the

Gainsborough Greens Art Awards and Exhibition

Thursday 11 August to Monday 15 August

10am – 5pm daily

Gainsborough Greens Golf Club

Yawalpa Rd, Pimpama QLD

 http://www.mirvacdevelopment.com/gainsborough-greens/art-awards