About the Artist
Sarah Hammond, a proud resident of Hammond, Oregon, embodies the spirit of discovery and resilience, much like the Pacific Northwest landscapes that inspire her work. Originally from the Midwest, her life has been a journey of unexpected turns, from serving in the U.S. Army to finding her true home on the Oregon coast. But it was a personal transformation, rooted in both tragedy and healing, that led her to discover her passion for art.
For many years, Sarah struggled to identify herself as a creative person. Her life took a difficult turn after suffering a stroke, which brought with it seizures and debilitating migraines. The passing of her sister, an artist whose work radiated inner beauty, left Sarah devastated. Grief-stricken, she sought a way to channel the overwhelming emotions she was experiencing. She found that outlet through crafting, a way to reconnect her body and mind during a difficult period.
Sarahβs artistic breakthrough came by chance, when she stumbled upon a video demonstrating fluid art. She immediately felt a connection to the medium, as if the swirling colors on the canvas brought new life and possibility. That moment of discovery marked the beginning of her artistic journey. βPainting transformed my perspective on life,β Sarah shared. βIt allowed me to embrace the beauty in every moment.β
Her process is deeply personal and therapeutic. As someone who craves order and control, Sarah finds solace in the unpredictability of fluid art. This abstract, free-flowing form of expression invites her to let go of perfection, a shift that has been liberating for both her art and her spirit. βFluid art has taught me to embrace imperfection,β she says. βIβve learned to trust the process and find beauty in the unexpected.β
Sarahβs work is a blend of fluid media and mixed media accents. She uses unconventional tools like air, gravity, and chemistry to create unique pieces. A signature element of her work is the use of Pacific Ocean water, a nod to the coastal landscapes that inspire her. Acrylic paints flow across the canvas, blending with the oceanβs essence, and each piece is protected by layers of UV varnish to ensure its longevity. Nothing in her studio goes to wasteβSarah repurposes leftover paint drips into accessories like jewelry, keychains, and hair clips, infusing each item with creativity.
The stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest profoundly influences Sarahβs art. The colors and textures of the coast, combined with her willingness to surrender to the flow of her materials, give her work a vibrant, organic quality. βIβm constantly inspired by the landscapes around me,β she reflects. βThe way the ocean meets the shore, the ever-changing lightβthereβs so much beauty to capture.β
As she continues her artistic journey, Sarah embraces the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Her work, born from a deeply personal healing process, now serves as an expression of her resilience and her love for the natural world. Through her art, Sarah Hammond is not only creating beauty but also sharing a story of transformation, growth, and the power of creativity to heal.
This story mirrors Sarahβs journey, integrating her experiences with the fluid art process and her personal connection to the Pacific Northwest.