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

MUST SEE :: Rankin & Damien Hirst Exhibition in LA

Rankin & Damien Hirst :: Myths, Monsters & Legends exhibition :: RANKIN Gallery LA

I am so in love with these images for the upcoming exhibition at RANKIN Gallery in LA.  Rankin and Damien Hirst have worked together with model Dani Smith to create the most amazing works of art.  One I do not want to miss and lucky for me, I’ll be LA just in time to catch this one.  

Myths, Monsters & Legends is on at RANKIN Gallery from 13 October to 5 November 2011.   

 http://rankinla.com/exhibitions-upcoming/

 RANKIN Gallery  :  8070 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046  : Open Tue-Sat 11am – 6pm

 

Rankin & Damien Hirst :: Myths, Monsters & Legends exhibition :: RANKIN Gallery LA

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”.

Love…Light… Truth or Dare… Fashion… Life… Love…

'Love Light' - Illustration using ink and markers on vintage mixed media collage

 

Sometimes I just love life so much is it kind of annoying to others… I smile all the time… my life seems like it is floating… no matter how hard it gets… I find joy in everything.  It’s when I feel love bursting from my heart… and I know how ‘airy fairy’ it sounds… but it is how it feels.  I give thanks to all I have.  For even the things that frustrate me most remind me of how alive I am…

And when I feel this way I want to draw pretty dresses and share my thoughts and tell the world how the sun shines bright every day… if you let it… if you can find that few minutes to see the light… your every day will be joy…

'Truth or Dare' - Illustration using ink and markers on vintage mixed media collage

We Are Always Watching

We Are Always Watching - Mixed media on paper

Sometimes you feel a little alien. Sometimes you feel like you are being watched.  Every move seems important.  The slightest of moves you feel are so important in the big picture.  I wonder who is watching?  I wonder all the time.  The more I watch the more I wonder.  Have you seen me around?  You might notice my eyes, you can’t forget them.  They draw you in and your mind is taken.

All this time I knew.  Do you see me in the boat?  It goes so fast, so beautiful, so sleek.  I see timber, I see white and above all I see bright, bright blue.  Hair is dark and eyes so big.  Clarity and crispness.  The ocean surrounds.  The ones who helped me to this place are by my side.  We are always watching.  See our eyes?  We see your mind.

 

Ruby - Markers and ink on paper

You might see me sometime.  My name is Ruby.  I know style.  In the fashionable kind of way.

 

Tribal Chief Snapper - Ink and markers on paper

I’m pretty sure if you’ve been to Snapper I’ll have seen you.  I’m the Tribal Chief.  Nothing gets past me.

 

Danger Tallows - Markers and ink on paper

Remember that day you were surfing and a big shadow went under you?  And there was that feeling of dread.  What was down there?  Ever wonder how you didn’t see that shadow again?  My name is Danger Tallows… protector of the waters.

 

Queen of the Rain - Ink and markers on paper

I know you have all been watching me.  The Queen of the Rain.  There was conflict and it will settle.  I was nearly overthrown.  Order is being restored and life will get back to normal.

 

Big Eyes - Markers and ink on paper

You don’t need to tell me anything. I already know.  My big eyes read your mind.

 

I first saw one surfing.  Then I saw them everywhere.

Fly Like You Are Living Your Dreams

The Bald Eagle - Gouache, ink, pencil and markers on paper

When you’re not learning you feel like you’re drowning & when you are learning you feel like you’re flying.  Sometimes life gets so busy it’s not like you forget to stop to enjoy the moments of beauty, it’s just that sometimes when you stop you are just so tired that you see the beauty just don’t feel the energy it possesses.  Good news is, if you look at the beauty long enough the energy takes hold… I suppose what I’m trying to say is…. I need a holiday!  No expectations, nothing but sunshine, relaxing, taking in the beauty so the energy takes hold.

For now I look at the flamingo for the energy, head held high and so bright.  I love the flamingo.

The Flamingo - Gouache, ink, pencil and markers on paper

 

Last Night Living in Byron Bay

Sarah Crawford - This Path - Acrylic on Canvas

Change is such an amazing thing.  So many changes we experience in our every day.  Others not so often.  I now find myself in my last night living in Byron Bay, feeling so alive, ready for the next journey in my life.  Something about moving, about starting new, I find so inspiring.  Somehow it feels like I’m more alive. Don’t get me wrong – I love routine.  But more than anything I dislike what is often referred to as Groundhog Day.  Wake up and do the same thing every day.  Even if the same thing is interesting.  It doesn’t matter how exciting your life is.  If it’s the same every day, I can almost bet I’ll get bored and want change.  I’ve learnt over the years to control that… although not too much!

I was thinking of all my different homes since the beginning of 2009 being that I moved to Byron Bay at the end of January 2009.  So much change.  It started with the Gold Coast and my apartment in Palm Beach which I rented out, then my boyfriend’s apartment for a few weeks then the move to Byron Bay.  First up the spider house in Suffolk Park. Then the amazing new guesthouse I had to myself with the massive pool and amazing rooms .  Followed by the cute white bungalow by the pool.  And lastly the big share house with jacuzzi (never used once!).  6 different homes!  Oh and there was the housesitting/dogsitting!  One more in there just for good measure makes 7!  Thankfully I slowed a little on the moving front – so far 1 this year.  Tomorrow I can take that tally to 2.

New beginnings.  Exciting times ahead.  This path brings light and love… Harmony… I’ll be sure to share the adventures.  xo

The World of Fashion… The World of Art

Sarah Crawford - NUDES - Conte on Paper

The image I found today from a submission when I started sharing my creations on the Gold Coast.  It was for a gallery.  Made me smile just now – reminded me of where I have been and how inspired I was at that moment I put this together.  How happy I was and how much I loved my life.  If I shut my eyes now I recall the same feeling I had back then – white light and a beautiful peace and inspiration in my soul.

The world of fashion had all but completely taken over my life since I moved to Byron Bay – I loved being back in the industry, the pace and urgency of everything after a few years kicking back, painting and making the most of the beaches on the Gold Coast.  Fashion gives me the drive to keep creating, always reminding me of how lucky I am.  How else over the years would I have been able to travel the world and get paid to shop?  To sift through magazines, watch catwalk shows, draw pictures and at times – cut and paste!  Oh it hasn’t all been as easy as it sounds.  Ten days shopping from morning to night, day after day, sleeping on planes, the boutiques and stores all blending into one.  I don’t remember the clothes mostly (okay so I do remember that time in Barcelona I didn’t buy the white leather boots and I still feel anxious I missed out!) but I do remember the food.  And that’s just the travel part.  The long hours at a computer, the frustration and at times the tears from frustration – it’s an addiction though and it always draws me back.  But it’s time I take a break, time to explore once more, and once again to be back on the Gold Coast.

So now I am onto the next phase, back into the art world – fully emerged in art, day in day out.  Not just on my creations, but on those of others.  Helping launch an exciting new gallery in Broadbeach.  I tell you I’ve been fortunate.  I work hard so some would say I make my own luck – but I think there are so many people who work hard – sometime of us are just plain lucky.  Sometimes I think it’s being able to see the opportunities and filter through those that are good and those where you will learn.

I always say I crave a simple life – I’ve had anything but.  My life is like a film.  I could write each day and tell you of the adventures, it does make for good reading – it’s finding the time in the middle of the film to stop, take a breathe and fill you in on all that is missed… So maybe it’s an erratic piece of writing, you’re never quite sure where it all fits together.  It doesn’t always have a beginning, it definitely doesn’t have a end…

A rambler if ever there was one.  Oh yes I’m the contradiction.  I’m the observer.  The gatherer of information.  The voyeur of life.  I’m always watching.  You might wonder, if my life is a film, what part do you play?  You might be a lead without even knowing – often in my thoughts and an inspiration in my dreams.  Even the extras are mixed up in a web of intrigue, at any moment jumping in for their moment…