ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE :
JEMIMA SARA
MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST JEMIMA SARA TAKES INSPIRATION FROM THE EVERYDAY . FROM HER INNERMOST THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS TO RELATABLE SITUATIONS , JEMIMA STRIVES TO MAKE CONNECTIONS AND START CONVERSATIONS THROUGH HER WORK . WE SPOKE TO HER ABOUT THE THEMES OF MENTAL HEALTH , FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE WRITTEN WORD THAT RUN SO CLEARLY THROUGH HER ART .
Tell us about your journey to becoming an artist .
My journey to becoming an artist has developed out of a way of expressing my feelings . Drawing is a form of expression and communication where no oral language is required , so for me it comes from an extremely personal approach to recovering from mental illness . I enjoy reflecting and revealing the struggles of daily life to ignite conversations as a form of self-therapy or catharsis .
Your artwork addresses freedom of expression , can you elaborate on how this influences your art ?
I find the phrase ‘ freedom of expression ’ fascinating , as it means something different to everyone . For me , it ’ s simply finding freedom within my practice to express myself without barriers . Being able to just write how you feel onto a piece of paper or installation can be terrifying but I find the freedom in expressing that vital , and I learn to understand myself better and make sense of my feelings through drawing , painting and creating . I also find that when I express something that goes on in my daily life , many people can relate to it on a personal level .
You also incorporate themes of mental health into your work , what is your process when you portray this nuanced subject in your art ?
I always say that part of my work is deeply linked to catharsis . My creativity from trauma helped me find my own voice . When we draw , we are able to reveal multiple emotions , thoughts and concepts in a piece of art or scribble . When I create work , it reflects my daily life and expresses what is going on within my mind . The themes of mental health are solely personal and from my own life .
A lot of your work includes short passages of writing , what is it about words that you feel complete certain pieces for you ?
I think using language in art provides an added layer of connection between the viewer and the artist . Text also helps reflect the experiences of mass culture . As my work is like a journal or reflection of daily life , the text allows me to express what exactly is going on in that moment . It also allows the audience to connect to the work and respond in their own way .
Describe a moment when you felt like you had made it as an artist ?
I think I only made it when the day came that someone asked what I did for work and I said : “ I am an artist ”. That was the day I became my truth . Of course , there are exciting moments of success I take pride in and that I am proud of , but I think being an artist is a lifelong commitment ; you might not make it and what does ‘ making it ’ even mean - I think it links to what success means to you . I think my success is following my passion and committing my life ’ s work to it .
Where can we find your work ?
You can find out more about me on my website : www . jemimasara . co . uk , and on social media : @ jemimasara . For exhibitions , commissions and projects please sign up to my newsletter via my website .
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