Artist Statement: Sawyer S.
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Sobriety Date: March 26, 2018
Favorite Media: Drawing and Painting

Specs:

• Acrylic Paint on Canvas

• Wrapped Canvas

• 21 in x 17 in

Make You Think

Since I can remember, art has always been in my life. I loved art as a subject and hobby. I also love math and have always been good at both. They come easily to me and I enjoy them. They are just the way my brain works. Both make sense to me and offer answers to problems.

Before sobriety, some of my work was a cry for help. Now, art is about expressing myself and my interests. Art helps me process my thoughts and express myself. I definitely relate to surrealism because it makes you look at things differently. I like to put contrasting ideas together. Additionally, I like being able to shock people, inspire them to think more deeply and allow my art to mean different things to different people.

I’ve had studio training, yet I don’t use those techniques. I go with any technique that helps me express what I see in my head. It really depends on what I am trying to express. I don’t even start my pieces in the same way. In each piece I make, I use a unique process that will work to capture my idea.

People should care about art in general. It is everything that has been created. My basic definition of art is that it makes us think. Also, it is definitely a good outlet. Art is true and one of my most valued things to do. Finding a sober community with friends who like art is so helpful. Before sobriety, I made art with friends. We would use, make art, and be sad. I wanted help and a way to get attention. Since I have been sober, making art gives me hope. Being a part of a sober community and making art together helps. We appreciate each other’s art. Art is not a sad thing anymore, it is happy and fun.