Thick Paint

JUPITER, FL – June 29, 2017 – The stereotypical female takes rather gentle measures to manage their craft. Soft hands, tender techniques, delicate instruments, and faded pastels may be images conjured when those without a Y chromosome state they have a creative passion. Quiet and docile, results of their hobby may be buried and even overlooked, unfortunately becoming forgotten.

25-year-old Sarah LaPierre, however, is no stereotypical female artist. In her work, there are no “barely there” colors – her paintings tend to err towards vivacious blues and greens, reminiscent of nature’s raw palette. The textures are not faint and the type to chip away, but instead are heavy and bold.

Do not mistake this description of LaPierre’s work for obnoxious brashness, though. On the contrary, her paintings of the beach, sea life, and nature are quite soothing, yet simultaneously lively. A difficult feat for an artist, when you think about it.

Her thick paint style and collection is created with heavy body acrylic paints and mediums. By using a palette knife application, LaPierre is able “to make unique pieces with lots of physical texture and character.” She adds, “I enjoy the freedom that palette knife brings to painting for me, as well as the connection to my family roots.”

Her family proved to not only provide a connection, but inspiration for her art. Specifically speaking, her father, a full-time professional artist. “My Dad was of course a monumental part of my path as an artist,” says LaPierre. “Not only did he (and still does) inspire me creatively, but [he is] also a self-starter, and a small business owner. He was so wonderful to learn from because he taught by example in all aspects of his life, and he had such strong gusto for what he did that it carried him and his work through many different phases of his life where a lot of people seem to let their passions drift: he always lived his.”

In fact, LaPierre learned primarily how to paint by watching her father work in his home studio over the years. “He would direct me in ways here and there with various art projects, but we never had many specific lessons past a few basics of perspective and drawing,” she said about one of her biggest inspirations. Of course, LaPierre’s skill for art came secondary to her inclination. “I knew that I had a desire for art,” she explains. “I craved it and still do, creating it, learning about it, encouraging others who want to create as well, and just soaking it in at any opportunity.”

Although she is mostly self-taught, LaPierre received her associate’s degree from Palm Beach State College. During her attendance there, she took the majority of art courses offered and participated in the campus’s Art Alliance, an art related social group.

The young artist stated that during her collegiate years, her creativity grew exponentially, although it may have been unbeknownst to her. What she knew, however, was a lesson from her professor that proved to be both relevant and valuable: “Keep creating. Keep making. Keep building. Keep pushing through self-doubts and second guesses. And if you truly want to create works, great or not, then just create. Religiously.”

She contemplated attending an art school to further her education, but it was her father’s passing that changed her mind. She instead decided to further her passion as a budding artist. Of her decision, she said, “So I kept it simple and local, and I’m glad I did.”

Prior to college, she was homeschooled by her mother through grade school. After immediately stating that no, she isn’t upset over not going to prom but yes, she is rather sociable, she viewed this method of education as a positive experience. She added that getting homeschooled permitted her to connect to her family and grow in aspects important to her later on.

Aside from her father, LaPierre named Paul Gauguin as her favorite painter due to his “wonderful use of color”. Painter/mix media artist/sculptor, Nadia Utto, also made the cut for favorite artists and she called her “a seemingly unstoppable force of creative energy. Her work on the Hobe Sound Murals is such a beacon of her commitment to building community through art, and it’s a beautiful thing.” Admittedly, one of LaPierre’s favorite pieces of art was created by Jupiter local Russell Gullick, a mixed media painter.

The Palm Beach Gardens native and West Palm Beach local dubbed Jupiter as her “playground”. Calling it a “very special place”, LaPierre has incorporated some of the beach city’s famous landmarks into her work. Particular locations include DuBois Park, Blowing Rocks, Riverbend Park, the lighthouse, as well as the inlet. So it should come as no surprise that one of her recent favorite havens to paint is oceanside, specifically at the dog beach with her own canine friend, her terrier Dex (she also has two ex-alley cats, Dredd and Ditto, and is fostering another dog).

“I’m inspired to paint my surroundings, and I have always been happiest and felt the most renewal by the time I spend outdoors and within nature,” said LaPierre. “Painting a particular landscape or beach scene is an expression of my appreciation for it, and it’s an adventure and a discovery with every piece. I love the act of painting itself though, so really any subject makes for an enjoyable process.”

Regarding what she thinks of Jupiter as an up-and-coming art scene, LaPierre is optimistic about its evolution. “I would of course love to see the development of more art scenes in general all across Palm Beach County,” she said. “I think Jupiter is a place where people really treasure quality of craft, whether that’s music or food or painting, so it’s definitely a great atmosphere for growth in the arts.”

When asked what particular process or vision she channels for each painting, the talented artist confessed that these traits aren’t consistent. She explained, “Vision, inspiration, these things come and go and sometimes I have to show up to the easel with or without them! Devoting the time and just keeping my creative muscles active is the most important part, not every piece is going to be a masterpiece but being able to stay playful and open to trial and error, and hopefully occasional success. That’s key.” For those moments when creativity is difficult to come by, LaPierre will step outside, or stay in and “Netflix till the clouds part”. Listening to audio books has also assisted her with creative roadblocks.

Pertaining to words of wisdom to give to aspiring artists, LaPierre had some sound advice: “Just because it’s what you love, doesn’t mean it will come easy. The struggle is real y’all but it is worth it if it’s where your true passions lie and if you’re prepared to work.

“I would also issue a mild warning to any type of young artist, some people may assume that because you get to enjoy what you do, that you should do it for free or for next to nothing, but if you plan on earning a living, learn what’s worthwhile and what’s worth saying no to early on. And in general, ask a lot of questions.”

LaPierre was awarded the SunFest President’s choice award in 2014, as well as the SunSational Festivals award for first place commemorative poster for her piece for ArtiGras 2015.

Most recently, LaPierre and her work were in the Art District at SunFest this past May. But if you missed her, don’t fret— LaPierre will be featured at more art shows and events throughout South Florida. Christening the area as “an environment
I love bringing my work to and being able to connect with people through it”, she hinted at future murals as well as collaborations. “I recently completed a mural for the Big Dog Ranch Rescue’s new facility in one of their cage-free rooms,” said LaPierre. “It was a collaboration with another local artist, Molly Oleson, and it was an absolute blast. It was especially great to work in such a phenomenal place. I also have a very exciting ongoing collaboration with designer Kristen Alyce. She and I started a fashion label together called VIVRE Canvas Couture, which has now shown in NY Fashion Week, on LA red carpet events, and most recently on a runway right here in the beautiful Wyndham Grand in Jupiter during PBA University’s ‘High Tea and Palm Trees’.”

Likewise, her work can be found in the Ready2Hang Art Gallery located in Downtown Abacoa and in fine art festivals, such as Las Olas Art Fest and Art Fest by the Sea. In addition, she has a regular feature on the walls of Modern Juice Co., as well as Inlet Properties and Investments. Her work also has a seasonal rotation in the Brewhouse Gallery in Lake Park.

Connect with Sarah LaPierre

www.SarahLaPierre.com
Facebook: @Sarah LaPierre – Artist
Instagram: @thickpaint