FEATURED ARTIST ..SARA AMES MONTAGUE

WELCOME ..Sara Ames Montague

Hear what Sara has to say about her art in her own words below.
WHAT LED YOU TO START CREATING YOUR ART?

It's hard to say, because I don't remember a specific time when I started creating. It seems like it's just always been a part of who I am.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHAT MEDIUM YOU WANTED TO WORK WITH?

Taking pictures is something I just always enjoyed, ever since I got my first little plastic, purple camera when I was probably 8. I've always been inspired by beautiful places, whether home or traveling, so I guess I "decided" to photograph places as a way of keeping visual memories of my experience. At some point, the motivation grew from capturing into creating. My collaging (not a real word, I know) has been more of a traditional creative process. I first remember making a collage in 3rd grade for a class project, and while I don't remember the assignment, I remember the strange looking character I created with newspaper clippings. I was fascinated with the idea that I had made something interesting out of a bunch of not-that-interesting things, and this process continues to exhilarate me, which is why I continue to make collages.

WHAT ASPECT OF CREATING YOUR ART DO YOU FIND THE MOST ENJOYABLE?

As is the case with life, I've found that it's the journey--and not the destination--that is most enjoyable. There's something magical, and intensely personal, about watching an idea materialize into a piece of art. It's cliche, but I love watching art "come to life," and I tend to feel a sense of communion with these works in progress as they emerge.

WHAT MESSAGE, IF ANY, DO YOU WANT TO CONVEY WITH YOUR ART?

Every piece is a reflection of myself, so the messages evolve and change as much as I do.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER ARTISTS?

Regardless of what people say, regardless of whether you make any money, regardless of what "talents" you think you have or don't have... don't be afraid to call yourself an artist. Don't qualify or apologize for your passion.

THANKS, SARA, for taking the time to share your art, thoughts, and ideas with us! I love your answers!

If you would like to see more of Sara's work, be sure to visit her sites below. You may click on any photo in Sara's ETSY MINI to get directly to that item in her shop.

VISIT SARA AT HER BLOG: SARA'S BLOG