The art of being bold

By Lin Parkin

“Art is me. I have been creating stuff since I can remember. There is something inside of me that inspires me to create,” says Belleville, Ont.-based artist Sarah Winn.

Winn describes her style as expressionism coupled with modern surrealism. It is edgy, unapologetic, authentic, bold, and saturated with colour. As a testament to this, at her Artists & Artisans Gallery & Studio solo show in March 2020, her collection included intimate portraitures of real people, including circus performers, punks, dominatrixes and drag queens.

Gone Fishing

“Being bold speaks to me. It allows me to express myself freely and create art that most people are afraid to, not because they can’t physically do it, but they choose not to. Boldness, to me, breaks down taboos and stereotypes,” says Winn. “I have always lived on the edge of society’s norm, so, with my art, I want to bring a voice and shed light to the viewer that we are all people, regardless of what we do.”

Winn’s parents, also artists, are huge supporters of her work. “My Mum went to art school and studied fine arts. She is an amazing artist and is still creating beautiful pieces. She is one of my top fans and supports my art endeavours full-heartedly. My Dad paints more realistically, and he loves to build things. He makes working models of trains from scratch. He also supports my art, and although some of it is not his ‘cup of tea,’ he loves that I keep going.”

Eye did it

Originally from Southampton, England, Winn’s family journeyed across the ocean in 1965 on a passenger ship called Maasdam. They disembarked in Montreal and moved to London, Ont.

Winn then lived in Kingston for many years but was drawn to Belleville’s vibrant arts community, the area’s natural beauty, and its variety of people and cultures. She made Belleville her home about 10 years ago.

The Brain

“You get the best of both worlds; the convenience of living in a city and a short car ride away to visit all the beautiful beaches, parks and conservation areas,” she says. “I love the contrast between urban and rural, the grittiness and funkiness of the architecture in Belleville. Just walking around, you can find a pristine house right next to a worn building with lots of character and stories to tell. Belleville is beautiful, dark, and dirty all at the same time.”

100 Days 2019

Artistic expression has helped Winn through many difficult times. She has struggled with depression, anxiety, and PTSD since she was young, but art helps her wade through it. Winn explains, “By being able to create all of the time, I have gained confidence in my work. It has been a really long road with all kinds of twists and turns, but I can say this: Art is my saviour.”

A few years ago, Winn unexpectedly suffered a stroke, narrowly avoiding a devastating blow to her identity as an artist. Fortunately, she survived with her motor skills intact. “It messed up my head a bit, but I fell back on my old friend, art. It became my therapy, something that I can control.”

Through time and persistence, her self-esteem grows. “I had a big breakthrough recently when I bravely created a big painting called “Being Me,” which is a self-portrait of who I am. Bold and beautiful, warts and all. It was so freeing.”

For the past three years, Winn has participated in the “100 Days Project.” In 2019, she created a new 5X7 painting each day, and in 2020 she made it an eye/I theme.

Karma

“I like the challenge! It forces me to create something great every day for 100 days, which is almost a third of a year. It helps me expand my creative horizons and growth, experimentally and intellectually.”

In 2021, she turned to social media for inspiration. “I posted on Facebook asking for help for a theme or idea. My friend, Krystal McKinnon, came up with the idea to take a photo and make it into a puzzle and then paint the pieces every day. I loved the concept, so I ran with it. I decided to take my own photograph and not just paint each piece as they look, but to use unconventional materials and paint for more interest.”

With her signature warmth and kindness, Winn says, “With all humility, my art and where it has led me, to this very day, would not be possible without so many around me cheering me on. Sure, I do the work, but there are so many people and organizations in my life that have contributed to my journey in art. I am not speaking about monetary contributions, but to opening doors and believing in me.”

“From the bottom of my heart, Thank you.”

IG: @likemypaintings