Behind The Easel

A conversation with AGGG artist, Sarah Farrar 

Q: Tell us about your path into art.
A: Art has always been a part of my life, but I spent many years working as an occupational therapist before pursuing it professionally. Over time, creating became more than a hobby…it became a necessity. About ten years ago, I began building my art practice, and in the last several years I transitioned into working full time as both a fine artist and muralist. Today, I create original paintings and large-scale murals that allow me to connect with people and spaces in meaningful ways.

Q: How does your background impact your work?
A: My background as an occupational therapist greatly influences my work. I developed a deep appreciation for the ways environments affect our emotions, experiences, and well-being. That perspective carries into both my paintings and murals, where I aim to create spaces and artwork that evoke comfort, connection, and a sense of place.

Q: What is your favorite medium(s) and sources of inspiration?
A: I primarily work with Flashe, acrylic, and mixed media. I love the matte quality and versatility of Flashe paint, which allows me to create layered surfaces and subtle textures. My inspiration comes from so many places. The South Carolina landscape, coastal marshes, lake life, architecture, interiors, my travels, and the quiet beauty found in everyday moments.

Q: How has your artistic style evolved?
A: My work has evolved from more representational pieces to a style that balances realism with abstraction and design. Over time, I have become more interested in simplifying forms, emphasizing texture, and allowing color and composition to tell the story. My mural work has also influenced my paintings by encouraging me to think more boldly about scale and movement.

Q: What story or emotion do you want to convey through your artwork?
A: I hope my work evokes a sense of nostalgia, calm, and connection. Many of my paintings are rooted in personal experiences and places that hold meaning to me, whether it is the South Carolina low country, lake days, or everyday scenes that invite viewers to slow down and reflect.

Q: Who are your artistic influences?
A: I am inspired by artists who balance strong design with emotional storytelling. I admire contemporary painters who use color, texture, and simplified forms to create atmosphere, as well as artists whose work reflects a strong sense of place and personal narrative.

Q: What art instruction or practice helped you become a better artist?
A: Consistent practice has been my greatest teacher. I have taken workshops, studied the work of other artists, and continually challenged myself through both painting and mural projects. Learning to embrace experimentation, accept mistakes, and simply continue creating has been invaluable to my growth.

Q: What are your biggest challenges as an artist?
A: Balancing the creative side of art with the demands of running a business can be challenging. As a full-time artist, there are many roles to manage beyond creating…marketing, administration, installations, and client communication. Finding time to create purely for myself remains an important priority.

Q: What other interests do you have beyond your art?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, and visiting both the South Carolina Lowcountry and the lakes in the Upstate. I appreciate interior design, architecture, and travel, all of which often influence my work. Some of my favorite moments involve simply observing the landscapes, still life, and places that eventually find their way into my paintings.

Q: What would you like for people to know about AGGG?
A: The Artist Guild Gallery of Greenville provides an important space for artists to connect, exhibit, and grow within the community. It offers opportunities for artists at various stages of their careers while creating meaningful connections between artists and collectors. AGGG helps foster creativity, collaboration, and appreciation for the arts throughout our region.