About Sarah Vulture: 24 Questions Answered
My African Grey, Trinity.
“I share my home with 5 parrots, 8 chickens, 1 duck, a tortoise and 3 spiders.”
How do you structure your day?
My first priority is taking care of all the animals I share my home with - 5 parrots, 8 chickens, 1 duck, a tortoise and 3 spiders.
Then, I enjoy my coffee and yogurt at home, and out the door shortly after. I’m a night owl, so my studio hours are between 5pm and midnight.
How do you structure your week?
I don’t keep a rigid schedule at anytime, I have learned to stay flexible. I am currently in school working on earning my Master’s of Fine Art in studio art, so school makes up the majority of my week. Obviously I prioritize school. I make sure to keep a calendar of due dates and deadlines.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as work, family, admin?
Has anyone perfected this? I haven’t. I try my best. Thankfully I have a very supportive husband.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently painting a still-life of some taxidermy birds from the collections of San Bernardino County Museum. My painting with be displayed amongst the taxidermy.
When you are working through problems in your work, who do you talk to?
My sister, my husband, and a few go-to professors.
Which artists are in your network?
Currently I am surrounded by a cohort of very talented artists and professors. I am also in contact with a lot of artists who share my love of halloween and horror.
How do you stay connected and up to date with the art world?
I try to visit a lot of museums and galleries, but I admit I need to get out more often.
I read a lot of articles on Hyperallergic.
I enjoy Juxtapose Magazine.
I follow a lot of artists, art centers and museums on social media.
How do you know when a work is finished?
I am my own worst critic and get stuck in the trap of perfectionism. I am a very detail-oriented painter, so I feel like my work is never finished - there’s always room for improvement. There comes a moment where I have to decide to pull myself out of the trap of perfectionism, and call it “good enough”.
Do you have any exhibitions coming up?
I have 3 group exhibitions coming up in Redlands, South Pasadena, and Palm Desert, California. (Shameless self-plug: you can find out more about my exhibitions in my “ABOUT” section of my website).
How do you usually prepare for an upcoming exhibition?
I make sure my work is ready to hang.
I prepare art prints for the galleries who sell them.
I update my artist bio. and statement if needed.
How do you promote your work and your shows?
I admit, I’m bad at this. I usually post on social media once and call it done. I’m working on the self-marketing thing.
How useful has social media been for you?
Business-wise? I haven’t made it work for me yet - I’m working on it!
I use social media to stay connected with other artists and the art world.
What are you focusing on right now?
I am currently focused on finishing this still-life painting.
Updating my website with my latest art.
Reading about self-marketing as an artist.
Creating art prints of my newest work.
What are your long term goals?
Teach university drawing and painting classes.
Continue working on my several series of paintings.
Create solo exhibitions.
The ultimate goal: become a financially stable full time artist!
What are you struggling with right now?
Networking! I am such an introvert and used to self-isolation. It’s easy to sit at an easel for hours on end. I’ve never been much of a social butterfly so putting myself out there is quite a challenge.
When faced with making a big decision, how do you decide what is the right thing to do?
I’m an over thinker so I’ll think about it…A LOT. Eventually I’ll talk to my sister and husband about it, maybe even ask a professor.
What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
Self-promotion / marketing. Networking! Creating art is the easy part, it’s everything else that goes along with the business side of things that is the challenge. Today, an artist is expected to wear many different hats.
Also. artists now have to battle AI.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I’m currently in school so I am lucky to be surrounded by many talented artists and professors who I learn so much from.
How do you plan to support yourself financially long term?
Get a day job- Teach college/university art classes, which has always been a goal of mine.
How do you pay rent?
LOL. I am a full-time Master’s student who quit her job to focus on school. Thankfully I have a very supportive husband.
I do successfully sell my art and prints at a gallery I have been working with for quite a while now.
What is the biggest mistake you have made within your career to this point?
Not networking and self-promoting enough. I struggle so much with this. I need to go to more exhibition openings.
How do you deicide which galleries or curators to work with?
I make sure to view the artwork there to see if my own art would be a good fit.
I take a look at the space and the clientele there. I also try to meet the other artists if I can.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
Studio-wise: I am learning to not be afraid to experiment with new mediums and techniques, to not be afraid of failure - being in school certainly helps with this.
What advice do you have for other artists?
Keep a journal and a writing practice - write about your art! A lot! Write about the process, the WHY behind what you do, anything that comes to mind, really.
