We were lucky to catch up with Sara Schesser Bartra recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I see finding my purpose as a continuous journey rather than a fixed destination. It evolves as I navigate the world around me. What matters most to me is the desire to be the best version of myself in everything I do. In terms of my art, I aspire to be a living artist who not only expresses creativity but also fosters curiosity and shares knowledge with others. This dynamic process keeps my purpose vibrant and meaningful.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
NEW answer for this question:
My name is Sara Celinda Schesser Bartra, and I’m a visual artist based in South Florida. I often think of myself as a citizen of the world, as I grow up in several different countries across South America and Europe. This diverse upbringing deeply influenced my artistic journey, and I am grateful for the inspiration that came from being surrounded by a family of talented artists.
Though I am largely self-taught, I’ve always felt a deep connection to art, allowing my creativity and imagination to guide me. In addition to my artistic work, I have a PhD in Molecular Biology and Microbiology, and I find that my scientific background brings a unique perspective to my art. I love exploring the beauty of the microbial world, seeing it through a lens that connects both science and creativity. I find great joy in sharing the hidden beauty of these small life forms, and it has been humbling to know that my work has found a place in private collections worldwide.
Currently, I am an artist in residence at Zeroemptyspaces in Fort Lauderdale, where I experiment with a wide variety of techniques, materials, and ideas. One of the approaches I enjoy most is mixed media, which allows me to express my imagination in fresh, unexpected ways. I often draw inspiration from unconventional materials, trying to infuse my pieces with something unique that might surprise and engage viewers.
In my recent work, I aim to merge my scientific knowledge with my artistic practice, creating a space where both disciplines inform and enrich each other. I believe that visual art has the power to communicate complex ideas and emotions, and through my work, I hope to spark greater curiosity and understanding of the natural world, particularly in how we see and understand science. My hope is that my art can serve as both an educational tool and a source of inspiration.
With each piece I create, I feel driven by a sense of purpose to explore and share the beauty I see in the world. Art, for me, is not just about personal expression but about connecting with others and inviting them into a space where science, culture, and imagination can coexist. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue my artistic journey and look forward to what lies ahead, always seeking to deepen my understanding and creative exploration.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I believe three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are curiosity, tenacity, and a strong desire to improve and learn new things.
Curiosity has driven me to explore different cultures, ideas, and artistic techniques. It encourages me to ask questions and seek new experiences, which keeps my work fresh and innovative. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace your curiosity fully—don’t hesitate to explore outside your comfort zone.
Tenacity has helped me push through challenges and setbacks. There have been times when progress felt slow, but my determination to keep going made all the difference. I encourage others to cultivate resilience. When faced with obstacles, remind yourself of your passion and why you started.
Lastly, my desire to improve and learn continuously fuels my growth. Whether it’s taking a workshop, seeking feedback, or experimenting with new mediums, I believe that ongoing learning is essential. I suggest finding mentors, engaging with peers, and being open to constructive criticism to help refine your skills.
By nurturing these qualities, I believe anyone can enhance their creative journey and achieve their goals.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m definitely looking for collaboration! I’m particularly interested in partnering with artists from different disciplines, such as dancers or fashion designers, as well as fellow scientists. In fact, I’m planning to host a panel discussion connecting artists and scientists in relation to an art exhibit I’ll be holding at the end of the year. I got a Regional grant from Broward Cultural Division to develop an art and educational project about Microbial landscapes and their everyday importance, with this in mind I am also looking also for sponsors.
If you’re an artist, a community leader, an entrepreneur, scientist, or science educator interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me via email or through Facebook or Instagram Messenger. Let’s connect and explore how we can work together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lvlyartbysara.org
- Instagram: @schesserbartrasara @microbesbeauty @lvlyartdesigns
- Facebook: Sara Schesser Bartra
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-schesser-bartra-6511b119/
Image Credits
Renata Rosen and Tatiana Vladi.
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