Each year, the Master Musicians Festival, a 501c3 non-profit organization, commissions a regional artist to create a piece inspired by the festival. The featured artwork is used on the front of MMF’s lineup T-shirt, which can be purchased during the festival at the merchandise tent, and is auctioned to benefit the following year’s festival. The MMF32 art auction of work by featured artist Sarah Roberts will begin at 8 p.m. Friday, July 11, and continue at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 12, starting with Friday’s closing bid.
Tell us about yourself! Where are you from, what school(s) have you attended, any special training or recognition, where you work, and family?
I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to Atlanta at the start of middle school. I met my husband Jerry in high school, and we were married in 2005. Jerry and I started off our marriage with a huge leap by moving to Cleveland, Ohio, for school. On the way up, with our moving van and our dog, he received another offer of acceptance to a school in Philly. I often think about how different our lives could have turned out if we had taken that offer, and how every choice we make in life leads us down such a distinct path. We had one daughter in 2008, and our second daughter was born in 2010, the day before he graduated from school. I raised babies and flipped furniture while he finished residency. We moved back to Atlanta after Cleveland, and then to Somerset in 2015, and it quickly became home. We now have three incredible daughters, two dogs, a fish tank, and a steady stream of teenagers in and out. I work part-time at Baxter’s north store in the mornings, lead a Girl Scout troop of giggly 8-year-olds, and any other time you can find me with a paintbrush in my hand.
Tell us about your journey to becoming an artist. When did you first discover you enjoyed creating, and how have you evolved as an artist over the years?
My maternal grandmother was an incredible artist, and I remember playing in her basement as a child while she painted. Some of my earliest memories are the smell of oil paints and endless creations out of cardboard boxes. One afternoon, my mother brought my sisters and me to her studio, and we were given the opportunity to paint. I froze and remember thinking that there was NO WAY I could create anything as beautiful as what was hanging in that studio. I still work to overcome that self-doubt many years later, but that first wave was so vivid.
In middle school art class, I chose to do a painting of a classic car, spending hours on each detail and asking to take the paints home to finish.
When we lived in Cleveland, I would cruise up and down the university streets on trash night, picking up furniture treasures and refinishing them to sell on Craigslist. I was able to help pay the bills and quickly honed in on my painting skills.
I attended the Art Institute of Atlanta and then Georgia State University with dreams of becoming an interior designer. A “required” oil painting class changed my life. I picked up that brush, and everything else fell away. I’ll never forget bringing home my first painting and absorbing every bit of information that the professor gave us.
I started painting small pieces for a friend to sell in her home decor shop, usually something that she picked out. As I became comfortable imitating, I would find ideas online and in magazines and paint them for our home.
My style has evolved as I have become more comfortable in my craft. I went from painting still life to florals and then animals to faces and memories. Capturing beloved pets, homes, and generational photos has been a constant. With two daughters in high school, I have recently painted several school spirit jackets, hats, and shoes.
A few years ago, I was asked to paint at a wedding reception, and it quickly became one of my favorite new hobbies. Live painting requires concentration and confidence, which I had to grow into.
I’ve painted a few large murals and one very large playground, but my next goal is to go bigger!
Describe the piece you created for MMF32 and what inspired it.
This piece is inspired by many nights spent enjoying MMF, watching my children and others dancing among the trees.
What materials and techniques did you use to create this piece?
This piece is acrylic on canvas.
How do you describe your artistic style, and how does this complement the atmosphere of MMF?
My style is colorful, eclectic, and fun. I feel that my style is multi-faceted and represents the carefree children among the fringes at the festival – covered in glitter, sweat, and face paint :
What mediums and/or materials are your favorite to use when creating?
I typically paint with acrylic, but vary the way that I apply it. I can sometimes be caught using my hands, a toothbrush, or splattering paint in the front yard. Spray paint and five 5-gallon buckets are not out of the question.
Who are some of your favorite musicians, and who are you most excited about seeing at MMF32 this year?
I love anything acoustic, especially with soulful voices like Tracy Chapman, Cian Ducrot, and Teddy Swims. I can’t wait to cheer on the young songwriters!
Tell us about your favorite piece that you’ve created and why it’s your favorite. What is it about creating these specific pieces that you enjoy most?
My favorite piece is a painting of our dog, Charlie. I captured him with a black background, and he looks so distinguished. He passed a few years ago, and I love being able to see his face every day.
What do you hope festival-goers will take away from the artwork you’ve created for MMF?
My hope is that festival goers will see my artwork and remember what it’s like to imagine and be as carefree as those children dancing in Festival Field.
Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you’re particularly excited about?
I have been working on designs for several large murals and can’t wait to get them on the wall!
Where can people follow you on social media or online to see your work?
Facebook and Instagram, @SarahRobertsArtCo
