Injecting Personal Narrative into Your Art with Sara Lee Hughes (#131)

The photographer Sally Mann has said that it never occurred to
her to look outside of her home, family, and immediate vicinity
to find inspiration. So many artists feel they need to travel to
exotic locations to find their inspiration, never exploring what
is right in front of them or what they encounter in their daily
lives.


In this episode of The Art Biz I talk with Sara Lee Hughes, an
artist who is deep into a body of narrative paintings with
recognizable imagery that is steeped in her personal story—going
so far as to include her self-portraits in many of them. We talk
about making such personal work and whether there is a market for
such work. Sara Lee says her ultimate intention is that she gets
under your skin. That when viewing her paintings, you start to
question your actions and might find yourself reflecting on the
encounter weeks later. We discuss the genesis of this body of
work, how she is looking at her art in terms of the long game
rather than seeking quick gratification, how she keeps her ideas,
and how she has created a discipline that balances motherhood
with her studio practice.


Highlights




Waiting, Father Daughter Dance, and other pieces inspired by
Sara Lee’s life. (1:55)




The family letters that have helped Sara Lee navigate her
true self. (6:57)




Sara Lee’s 12-ft superhero cape and what it represents.
(9:05)




Painting from experiences results in sincerity. (11:15)




Asking yourself questions can lead to your next inspiration.
(14:55)




Sara Lee’s decision to use her own face in her paintings.
(18:19)




The value of painting the part of your history that isn’t
talked about. (21:32)




There are parts of your story that anyone can relate to.
(25:17)




Using a list—rather than a sketchbook—to keep your ideas.
(27:04)




Does personal work sell? (30:20)




The evolution of Sara Lee’s approach to her art business.
(32:39)




Finding time for the most important work. (34:32)




Mentioned




Saraleehughes.com




Sara Lee on Instagram




Sally Mann




Moleskine Cahier notebook




Episode 72 with Dawn Williams Boyd




William Kentridge




Bo Bartlett




The Art Biz Connection


Systematize Your Art Biz for Business Efficiency


Resources




Show notes, images, and listener comments




How to Price Your Art free report




Art Biz Connection artist membership




Quotes




“These tossed-off sketches are seeds for the work that I’ve
done in the last five years.” — Sara Lee




“When I paint from my own experience, there’s a sincerity in
my paintings.” — Sara Lee




“All of my work is my personal experience, so who better to
use than myself? — Sara Lee




“My intention is to resonate with you through the works that
have inspired me to be an artist.” — Sara Lee




About My Guest


Sara Lee is a narrative painter living and working in Lockhart,
Texas. Her representational narratives are influenced by growing
up in the south during the 1970’s and 80’s with divorced parents
and operate as metaphors for discovery, other-ness, identity,
connection, balance and truth. As a body of work, they highlight
moments, memories and ideas that mark a journey of navigation
through the differences between her gay father, straight mother
and the socio-cultural norms of the era and those proceeding. In
her work she is most interested in exploring and sharing the
connection she had with her father before his death of AIDS, the
profound guidance it had on her life, and how this personal
experience fits into our country’s broader social and cultural
heritage.


 


Sara Lee studied classical drawing and painting at the
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, where she earned a certificate
in painting and printmaking. She earned her MFA in painting from
Pratt Institute. Sustaining herself through scenic painting and
teaching, her work brought her back to Lockhart, Texas where she
has lived since 2008.