Sarah Stuart
I grew up in Gurnard and Cowes, and formed a strong bond with the sea and coast from a
very early age. I would spend hours collecting interesting things on the shore and the sound
of buoys clanging and ships horns in the fog, especially at night, became embedded within
me.
I have drawn and painted things that catch my eye since childhood. Later life led me to
expressing my love for the sea in this way.
Each of us responds to a painting differently, I intend my works to stir subliminal memories and emotions. I want viewers to ‘feel’ a painting and not simply ‘see’ it.
I left school to attend Art college, but my career took a different path, ending up in my becoming a
biochemist and scientist. I left work to raise a family and gradually began to engage with my art further. I also moved us all back to the Island, that I love so much.
I now have a studio near the sea in the Southwest Wight where I live. I produce semi
abstract and abstract expressive paintings, using a mix of media involving both painting and
drawing techniques. My pieces communicate the constantly changing energy and
movement within the landscape. I especially love painting the wild sea with its salty air
stinging the face and dramatic skies that can take your breath away.
Once back in the studio I paint intuitively to tell the story, drawing upon all the energies I
have absorbed from my simply being there, standing in the landscape.
My artworks bring you into that moment, a connection to that place that feels alive.
