In early childhood, Sarah Long was encouraged by her mother to express herself through art, using poster paints and Crayolas. She would spend hours exploring forms, rendering colouring books in different styles, attempting to replicate what she observed and then would seek feedback from family members. As she progressed to secondary school, her curiosity led to experimentation using diverse art materials and embarking on a self-exploration journey through the medium of art. During her formal education, Sarah delved into the rich realm of art history, and her desire to paint flourished after a school trip to the Louvre and the Uffizi. It was the narratives encapsulated in timeless artworks that propelled her towards earning a degree in animation at IADT Dublin, opening doors to storytelling through art. Later, transitioning her focus to acrylic painting, Sarah enjoyed exhibiting her works and collaborating with friends on several projects.
Whilst teaching in the community, Sarah felt a profound connection to the transformative quality of art. She went on to obtain a Higher Diploma in art education at NCAD, before embarking on a art teaching career. With her interests in psychology, wellbeing and altruism, Sarah’s career turned to working with children presenting with social, emotional and mental health needs. This gave Sarah the space to revisit her creative endeavours in her spare time, and during the pandemic, she began sketchbooking.
Sarah’s distinctive style intertwines pen work and watercolour to capture the essence of her world. Her creations are more than mere visual narratives; they are reflections of her interpretations of the world, imbued with elements of psychology, self-care, and mindfulness. This profound connection between art and well-being also resonates in her work coordinating provision for children with additional needs, enriched by her qualifications as a sound healer.
Sarah cherishes art as a technical exercise in seeing, with a penchant for capturing the personality of line and life itself. Her approach is heart-centred, informal, and down-to-earth, much like her art, which serves as a window into her soul. This website serves as a chronicle of Sarah’s ongoing discoveries in art making. It’s a space where she unfolds her journey of overcoming creative blocks, sharing her practices, and manoeuvring the delicate balance of productivity and the everyday. Through her story and art, Sarah aspires to inspire and assist others on their own artistic journeys.
View Sarah’s Blog here https://myinnerkey.com
