Sarah Lim Murray — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Apr 21

Apr 21 Sarah Lim Murray

Biography

A London based artist, Sarah had a multi-disciplinary training when she was in Art college, from drawing, design, embroidery, painting, sculpturing to stain glass. Originally from Singapore, she obtained a diploma in Art and Design before moving to London where she graduated with a BA(Hons) in Central St Martins – University of The Arts London. Painting has always been her passion but her career has taken the path of an Art Director. She is working on steering it back into making the art she loves.Her current favourite medium is oil, using the classic style oil painting techniques to create contemporary pieces.

Artist Statement

My art aims to convey an emotion and tells a story that resonates with my audience.

What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?

According to my mother, I could draw before I could write. My great grandfather was an artist in China. Art has always been with me all my life although my career hadn't started off that way, I started as a designer, then an art director in advertising. Coming from an Asian family being an artist is not considered a 'sensible' job. But as I get older, there is a yearning to live more authentically, in this case, do more of what I really love, not what is expected of you. I'm not quite there yet but a step closer.

What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?

One that could move and resonate with people and maybe inspire them to see things from another perspective.

What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?

The different facets of my world. I have different styles of painting, sometimes a more realistic style, and at times more graphic, depending on the theme and how I feel at the time. Just like I had once sung in the national ensemble (mainly classical music) in my home country Singapore and also managed a Hip Hop dance company in London, I get drawn to things and experiences that are opposites.

Can you explain the process of creating your work?

There is no linear process that I stick to. It usually starts with an emotion, then a concept/theme, then I'll try to imagine what type of imagery would make the viewer feel that way. But sometimes I could come across a phrase that I read, walk past a certain place, or meet someone that evokes an emotion, that could inspire me to capture that feeling, convert that into an image onto my painting.

What is your favorite part of the creative process?

I love when I get an idea that I'm excited about and also the bit when I do the finishing touches on the painting, that's when it comes to life like a baby is born.

Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration, or what we can look forward to from you in the near future?

Being in lockdown for almost a year in London definitely has an impact on getting inspiration. I have battled through being unmotivated then I looked inwards and tried to channel the frustrations and longings onto the canvas. As our part of the world is slowly opening up, I have been approached by a few galleries to participate in exhibitions and international Art Fairs in Madrid, Milan, Paris, and Monaco. So at the moment, I am working towards prepping for those projects. Hope 2021 will be better for the art world and everything else.

Website www.sarahlimart.co.uk

Instagram www.instagram.com/sarahlimmurray/

Facebook fb.me/sarahlim16art