Sarah Routman

Art Form(s)

Literary Arts, Painting, Photography, Other


Connect

https://www.ThroughSarahsEyes.com

[email protected]

I am interested in collaborative work.

Bloomington


Artist Statement

“When people ask me what equipment I use – I tell them my eyes.” On the dedication page of the first photography and poetry book I created, in 1977, I wrote, "A true poet causes you to create many poems after reading only one of his." I feel the same way about my painting, which I began exploring only recently. The nature of acrylic paint-pouring is that the paint moves and seems to take on a life of its own, shifting constantly and awakening multiple responses simultaneously. It’s as if the colors are calling me to play, experiment, and then step back to watch what unfolds. With my photographer’s eye, I scrutinize each moment, exploring the color, shape, and movement from different angles through my camera lens. This gives me the opportunity to be both creator and observer with each piece. I hate wasting anything, which often inspires and heightens the creative process. I often paint on used or discarded objects, reimagining CD cases, packaging materials, and used paper towels both as my canvas and to add dimension. Even the excess paint begs not to be discarded – leading me to happy accidents that delight and further inspire me. Creatures often emerge to further coax me into a world of whimsy and play. My rational mind questions the symbolic meanings of color, light, and shape. It is the journey each piece leads me on that matters more than the finished piece. I am aware that even if what’s being expressed is dark and painful, the joyous, playful process offers a salve of healing that helps me to frame the world and my experiences. “One can speak poetry just by arranging colors well.” – Vincent van Gogh

BA English/Creative Writing, Poetry - Ohio University
BFA Photography - Ohio University

Published work: Creatopia Magazine | WINK Magazine
Can't Someone Fix What Ails Me? A book of 21 stories of living with chronic illness - mine is the caregiver chapter
Light Through Open Windows - Original Poetry and Photography looking back to 1977 and 40 years later
Moving Through Life - poetry by Lori Ann and my original photographs
Ekphrastic Poetry Prompt Book - poetry prompts with my photographs of my original paintings

To see links to published works visit www.ThroughSarahsEyes.com
I offer corporate workshops:
~ Give Your Stress a Colored Pencil - Delve into the magic of coloring to destress and relax.
~ Simple Drawing and Doodling - Explore the health benefits of doodling for increased memory, focus, and creative problem-solving.
~ Journaling - Experiment with different types of journaling to gain perspective, get grounded, and increase your immune system.

Private or group painting classes available upon request.

Work Samples

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