STYLE REV VISITS
STUDIO ONE THIRTY
On a sunny October day, I headed to the bay, just South of Sydney to meet Sarah from Studio One Thirty.
In the comfort of her home studio (amongst her husband and two little ones), is where the magic happens.
Come and take a closer look into Sarah’s world, where her iconic artworks begin.
How did Studio One Thirty come to life?
“So after having my baby girl, I started working as an interior designer, and I couldn’t find any textiles that I really liked at the time, or really inspired me… you know? So I just decided to start drawing my own botanical and abstract designs and playing around to see if I could actually do this. I then had some fabrics made and did a finders keepers market with a little collection of cushions, then people started asking me to do commissions, so it has just been growing organically ever since.”
Sarah told me about the intertwined connection between herself and her art…
“I feel like painting and art is a real extension of yourself. It feels like that’s me on display. I actually had someone say to me, “Oh, wow, I’ve seen your work on Instagram and in magazines, but coming to see you in person…your personality actually matches your artwork.” The artist is actually represented through their art. It’s like it’s a direct connection. Which is true, because you’re putting yourself out there that is you. Your feelings, your thoughts… it’s a full circle.”
It makes total sense. Sarah gives off this beautiful, natural and calm energy, just like the nature that she paints.
What continues to inspire you?
“Definitely where I live, in the bush and by the bay. I find a lot of inspiration on my morning walks. I get some beautiful views from the top of the hill, looking over the bay that shimmers through the trees. So I have created some abstract pieces that represent that morning light filtering through the view.”
Need I even ask?! Of course, nature is what inspires Sarah’s incredible takes of Australian flora.
Do you have any special stories behind any of your artworks?
“Well this painting *points to one of her artworks* was part of an abstract series I did about four years ago.
My great aunt who lived down south in Berry – she loved poetry. And every time we went down there, she would stand at the window with me and we would look at the gum trees and she would recite Dorothea Mackellar’s poem ‘My country’. And she died last year, so that’s a special piece because it’s inspired by the time spent down there with her, just looking at the gum trees.
I think that’s why I’ve got such a connection to the bush and why I keep going back to painting gum trees and banksias…because it’s where I spend precious time with my family. And it’s more than just nature, there are layers of meaning behind it.”
Has your process changed over time?
“It has, I think I’m more open now to just exploring and experimenting a little bit. I feel like how I used to paint was very structured, whereas now it’s a lot more free and I don’t mind if I make a mistake, because I can just layer and go over it.”
What has being an artist and your art taught you in your personal life?
“I think just ‘go with the flow’. There is no ‘wrong’ way of doing it, it’s just all about trying, about letting go, and letting things happen naturally and organically. It’s a very calming process and helps to release energy or frustration if you are feeling tense. So it has just taught me to take some time to relax.”
A sculpture that Sarah made for her year 9 project in school, based on Picasso’s painting of his daughter Maya.
What does the dream future for Studio One Thirty look like?
“I really want to focus on my outdoor textiles range. And working on a couple more patterns, expanding my collection. I would also love to see the fabrics used worldwide. I love seeing all the amazing commercial jobs done in beautiful hotels. That’s my dream, to see the range used in lots of different ways. And to just keep painting, because it’s just such a nice experience, to be free, and just to let everything out…it’s very therapeutic.”