EPISDOE TWENTY-THREE: Sarah McDonald
A Conversation on Art, Inspiration, and Resilience with Christina Lowry and Sarah McDonald
Welcome to today's blog post, where we delve deeply into the musings of visual artists Christina Lowry and Sarah McDonald. In this insightful podcast episode from "The Art of Making Art," Christina brings you a fusion of personal narratives, art journeys, and heartfelt wisdom. Learn about the power of mentorship, the importance of community, and the interconnectedness of nature with our creative selves.
Christina kicks off the episode sharing a bit about the podcast's journey—recovering from a busy period of life, she refocuses on connecting with artists from all walks of life. The podcast is a space to explore the depths of artistic practice and the drives behind creativity. After a hiatus, Christina introduces Sarah McDonald, an artist admired for her vivid portrayal of landscapes and community involvement.
Sarah shares her story of becoming an artist, a path inspired by familial influences and supportive educators. A journey marked by determination, she nurtured her passion for creating and educating others, balancing a teaching career with her own artistic practice. This duality has been a sustaining force throughout her professional life, providing stability and fostering growth and development.
Sarah's narrative traverses from the urban landscapes of her early career to the profound connection with nature she now celebrates in her work. Her artistic focus on trees signals both a personal and environmental message, exploring the societal and familial networks within tree communities. This connection to trees has become a paramount theme in her art, reflecting on their resilience and silent yet vibrant existence.
Through residencies and solo exhibitions, Sarah continues to push her artistic boundaries. The opportunity to creatively extend herself outside her normal comfort zones has been pivotal. Residencies have taken her from the vast deserts of Australia to the serene snowfields, each locale bringing new inspiration and vitality to her work.
Christina and Sarah discuss the conceptual development of their art, highlighting how community and collaboration enriches their practice. Experimentation and exploration are fundamental—they affirm the importance of allowing artistic narratives to develop organically through a soulful effort to understand both the art and its environment.
Both artists emphasize the importance of making art with authenticity and passion. Whether through formal education or personal practice, an artist's journey is about exploring one’s interests deeply and courageously. They advise against the need for external validation and instead focus on personal growth, resilience, and the courage to pursue one's true creative calling.
This conversation between Christina Lowry and Sarah McDonald serves as an inspiring reminder of the multifaceted journey of creativity. It underscores the significance of community, exploration, and resilience in art.
We hope this episode inspires you to take your next creative step, whatever it might be. Keep creating, exploring, and sharing—your art journey awaits. Thank you for joining us in this exploration of creativity and inspiration. We look forward to bringing you more enriching stories of art and life in upcoming posts.
Sarah McDonald’s Instagram
Sarah McDonald’s Website
The Art of Making Art Podcast Instagram
Christina Lowry’s Instagram