Local artist profile: Sarah Macumber

THIS week we chat with Bendigo artist Sarah Macumber – also known as Sarah the Painter, who runs after school and adult painting classes from her upstairs studio in Williamson Street.

What initially motivated you to take up art as a practice?

I am a graphic designer by trade, studying here at La Trobe and working in design studios in Hawthorn after that. When I moved back to Bendigo I continued to freelance and didn’t pick up a brush until the start of the pandemic. I had the supplies for over a year by that stage. I wanted to paint artwork in the colours and style that suited my decor and thought others may like to do the same. Being a graphic designer, I am very comfortable taking a brief from a client and enjoy that process.

How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?

Sometimes it’s abstract but most of the time it is botanical or floral. I enjoy painting floral designs, I like the organic shapes and range of colours I can use in these. I love a lot of movement in my paintings and like them to be uplifting and cheerful. I listen to my collectors and create art that they want to put on their walls. I like to understand colour trends and find inspiration for shape and design in current decor and interior design. I love painting on large canvases.

Which other artists inspire you and why?

I was very fortunate to have met Celia Rosser, also known as The Banksia Lady, this last summer in her beautiful gallery space. Internationally acclaimed, her botanic illustrations are incredibly detailed and it was so wonderful to hear her stories of how she collected the specimens and the process of creating the final prints.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

We offer art classes in our studio for both kids and adults. We also do community events. The joy on the faces of people of all ages creating with their friends and family is an ongoing highlight. As artists, we love to share. I love sharing my studio with the community.

How has your practice been affected by COVID?

As we were coming out of lockdowns, I opened the studio and we started classes. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to offer a place where you can come in and forget the real world for an hour or so. I think after COVID, a lot of people have realised that we need to spend time for ourselves and art is a great way of doing that.

How can people check out your work?

My studio is open by appointment only at 1/22 Williamson Street, Bendigo. I take commissions and I have some of my paintings for sale in the studio and on my website sarahthepainter.com.au. New paintings are often debuted on my instagram page @sarah_thepainter.

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of having a go at the artistic life?

Keep painting, paint a lot. Take your paintings out to markets and ask local businesses if you can display them in their offices or receptions. Share your art as much as you can. Enter art shows and competitions. Enjoy the process and allow yourself to feel fortunate that you have such an important way of calming your mind and sharing your gift. Don’t wait until you get good at it, share it ASAP.