We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sarah Rangel. Check out our conversation below.
Sarah, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What battle are you avoiding?
Currently I am battling an intense creative burnout. It’s easy to avoid because as an artist, it’s expected for you to always be creating something, whether it’s for a deadline or yourself. After awhile there may come a time when art may not bring you joy anymore, and I am presently avoiding that truth for myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sarah Rangel and I’m ceramic artist living in San Antonio, Texas. In the evenings, you will find me at my studio. My brand, Sarah Rangel Art, brings a lot of emotion and questions to audiences. My pieces are very colorful and are hand-built, making each of them one-of-a-kind. I find it refreshing that each piece holds a different personality. I always encourage audiences and buyers to sit with their pieces -get to know them! Call them your friends!
My story has recently become a challenging one. Lately I have realized that art does not bring me joy anymore -I was over-exerting myself with multiple deadlines and open calls, making it difficult to foster new ideas and breathe. I needed a break and have since then put most of my creating on hold from others so that I may reassess why I make art.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I have always been creative and drawn to the arts -I just didn’t know how to foster these feelings or put them into fruition. I never even took an art class in high school -I found my calling during my sophomore year in college. In high school I followed the herd -I took advanced classes that had nothing to do with art. Going to college was not a question, but I had always felt like I was expected to study a respectable subject and nothing creative.
Luckily while attending college, I found that I could be whatever and whoever I wanted to be. But when I told my mom I wanted to study and major in Art (ceramics specifically), she asked me what I would do with my career and to think about my future. While I know now that my family is 100% supportive of my art career, for some reason at the time I took conversation as someone saying that I couldn’t pursue my love for ceramics and art in general. I was lost before I felt like she told me who I needed to be; however, at this point in my life I’m more lost than ever…
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Of course! Right now! While giving up is completely out the question, I feel defeated, tired, burnt out, and in a deep creative rut. It’s hard to hear mostly “NO’s” and yet keep saying “YES” and continue trying. While I realize that I have so much to show over my career as an artist, there is still that sense of self-doubt and negative thoughts that I’d like to get away from, because a lot of success as an artist comes from confidence in your art and life.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely not! I don’t think the public version of anyone is the real them. For example, I use Instagram as a platform for sharing my work and positive experiences as an artist, but don’t let my smiling face fool you sometimes! I am not smiling when a piece comes out cracked from the kiln, I am not smiling when I receive a rejection email about a promising exhibition, and I am certainly not smiling when it’s 10pm and I have a deadline next week and I’m behind because I accidentally knocked some pieces off my studio shelf. It gets hard to keep up appearances, but social media is good about making life and experiences perfect.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
I’ve always been dimming my confidence as an artist. I know that everyone experiences the sting of rejection, but especially now I am trying to remember that the rejection of my art does not define who I am as an artist. These days I am trying very hard to be open to new opportunities, because once you doubt yourself, it’s over.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahrangel.crevado.com/
- Instagram: @sarahrangelart
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
