epilogue. – Sarah Wilkins

Email: snwilkins@bell.net 

Sarah Wilkins is an undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo, completing a double major in Fine Arts and Recreation and Leisure Studies. Her multidisciplinary work is often influenced by her fields of study, and she has recently been exploring the interplay between colour, line and freeform of visual expression. Through material exploration, Sarah comments on our connection to natural and urban environments, as well as our understanding of the visual imagery around us in everyday spaces.

Artist Statement

My creative exploration is determined by the working process alongside a conceptual framework that draws from personal experience. Rather than lead with style, I let the materials and methods dictated by the idea, topic, or narrative inform each project. Experimentation and materiality are important elements to my making process. Working in various mediums, including print, sculpture, installation, and painting, has encouraged me to explore visual expression, and allows my chosen topic to guide or develop each piece I create. Much of my work may also be considered from multiple viewing points. I aim to create interactive works that consider the role of dimensionality, shape, and texture. In the pieces I have been working on most recently, I have been looking at various drawings and paintings I completed when I was a young child. I have worked to incorporate the imagery, colour, and line quality of these works into my current practice. While translating these two-dimensional drawings into large scale pieces I’m exploring this child-like quality of artistic expression, investigating the art-making process, and developing an element of freeform visual expression.

Interview Questions

What aspects of your life inspire your art?

The experiences I’ve gained from volunteering, working, and spending time outdoors, as well as the topics I’ve explored throughout my degree, have influenced my art the most. I have not really established an overarching theme within my work because each piece is often inspired by different, individual experiences. I find myself motivated by unique stories or inspiring people, and often need to find that worthy connection or theme within my work in order to start the art-making process. 

What are your preferred mediums and why are you drawn to them?

I’ve explored a variety of media through my work, but I’m primarily drawn to sculpture, printmaking, and installation. I enjoy working in three dimensions, and utilizing different textures and materials. I also like the bold line quality of print, and working with positive and negative space. Because I enjoy experimenting with new materials and techniques, I often allow my ideas or topics to dictate the medium I work in, and find myself juxtaposing various art-making techniques into each work I create. 

Where do you see yourself in the future? How do you see your art practice evolving?

In the future, I see myself incorporating my artistic practice into whichever field I end up pursuing. Completing a degree in Recreation and Leisure studies alongside my studies in Fine Arts, has made me more aware of how beneficial art and creativity are in all fields. Art is such an important form of storytelling that has the capacity to connect people. I have enjoyed finding ways to connect my two areas of study, and hope to continue incorporating art into my future work. Regardless of where I end up, I hope to continue sharing my work with other people, and further explore how art may be used to develop this sense of community. 

What is the most significant thing you will take away from your Fine Arts studies?

Improved problem-solving skills, innovation, and creativity are the most significant things I will take away from my Fine Arts studies. Fine Arts allows you to learn through experimentation. All components of the making process including brainstorming, planning, re-working, collaborating, failing, and succeeding have pushed me to become a better creative problem solver. These skills have helped develop my artistic practice, but will also be influential outside of the studio space. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to push my artistic abilities, gain these foundational skills, and work collaboratively with amazing professors and peers. The Fine Arts professors at the University of Waterloo have been so inspiring and supportive and will definitely be another significant take away from my Fine Arts studies. I have learned so much from their expertise and guidance and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to learn from them all throughout this program.