Boise Abstract Artist Sara Hill in her studio.
So a couple of years ago I was hanging out in the VineArts Studio in Boise's Garden City. There was an abstract art workshop going on and though I wasn't involved in it, I was enjoying overhearing the conversations amongst the artists attending and getting to peek at their creations. At one point one of the students was commenting with excitement about a 6ft x 12ft "Pollock-like" splatter painting that was hanging on one of the walls and asked who painted it. One of the workshop facilitators explained that it had been a painting that was created during another workshop a few years prior and that the artist who taught it was sitting over on the couches. The student approached me with the hugest smile and a bubbly enthusiasm (I was the artist who the facilitator was referring to) to inquire about the painting and also if I taught lessons. And that was the beginning of a 2 year teaching relationship with Sara Hill and myself.
Sara (newly retired) was looking to learn abstract techniques and mediums experientially in order to be inspired to progress in her own art making. She had goals and was eager to learn and thirsty for whatever she could soak up from those whose work she admired. I was honored to walk with her side by side as we explored playful expression in my studio together.
I've been teaching private one on one lessons since around 2003 and have encountered many talented artists (young and old) throughout the years. Sara was one of those students that had a natural talent and eye to see beyond the technical skills of composition, tonal value, medium, surface and texture. She learned intuitively...and for me, that is the easiest way to teach. Each lesson she came with joy and anticipation for learning something new. It was a pure joy to help guide her at a time in her creative journey when she just needed to give herself permission to play and experiment, have fun and grow. Even in the moments of struggle to look beyond what that pesky left brain perfectionist can't see...Sara took the struggles as challenges to move herself and her art forward.
Our lessons were no longer needed...as she and I mutually recognized she had gained what she needed to learn with me and it was time for her to launch out into her artistic adventures.
A year or so has gone by.
Recently she contacted me to let me know she was going to be exhibiting at a local multi-artist outdoor art show (it would be her first art show!) where she would have the opportunity to sell her original paintings and prints. She was excited to show me her new studio and wanted my input on her new work.
When I showed up at her studio I was blown away! I spent an afternoon hanging out with her...catching up and listening to her enthusiastically explain and express her creative process to me show me all the various work she's so prolifically been creating. And WOW! She has been prolific!
Many times throughout she let me know how much she appreciated all the lessons and time we spent in my studio learning together. She thanked me and credited me for being the one who helped her find her artistic voice and help her learn the things she needed to do what she's wanted to do. I was deeply blown away. It was actually overwhelming for me (and not in a bad way). I was so honored to be standing with her amidst all the creative ripples. Listening to her heart and viewing her work and getting the chance (that not many people get) to see a former student excel beyond even my own abilities in certain arenas was extremely humbling. It was (still is) a sacred moment for me.
Sometimes I feel I didn't really teach her. She taught me.
I'm very thankful for what I get to do as an artist. I love this crazy messy life and those I get to come alongside and collaborate with (even if it's only for a moment). It's an honor, a pure joy. And today I'm humbled and wrecked within (in a good way) to know that as there have been people in my life who have believed in me and encouraged and inspired and influenced and challenged and taught me...I too get to be that for others. Creative ripples.
The art show was a huge positive moving experience for her that encouraged her and continues to launch her forward. I'm so excited for her! Well done Sara! Keep creating and having fun! You are an amazing artist!
