We recently connected with Sarah Calzada and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Sarah with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
As a full-time artist, the foundation of my work ethic comes from a deep passion for creating and a commitment to continuous growth. I am constantly experimenting with new techniques, exploring different themes, and challenging my usual creative process. Each of these experiences is an opportunity to discover unexpected strengths or highlight areas where I need to improve, which naturally leads me down a continuous path of self-discovery. Commitment to continuous growth allows me to reflect on what drives me, what inspires me, and what messages I want to convey through my work. It helps me understand not just my evolving artistic style, but also my evolving self. Every day, I wake up with a sense of purpose, driven by the idea that my art may connect with people, evoke emotions, or inspire change in some way.
Discipline is also key – treating art as both a profession and a calling. Just like any other job, it requires you to show up even when you don’t necessarily feel inspired to do so. It requires consistency, time management, and the willingness to push through creative blocks. But unlike many jobs, the work is deeply personal, which adds another layer of motivation. There’s a certain resilience that comes from understanding that each piece of art is part of a larger journey of self-expression and development.
Finally, the support from my friends, family, and community – whether it’s collectors, fellow artists, or art lovers – fuels my dedication. Knowing that my work resonates with others and contributes to the broader cultural landscape keeps me focused and motivated, day in and day out.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My journey as an artist is deeply rooted in my upbringing in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, where I was surrounded by the raw beauty of nature every day. Growing up in a musical family that always encouraged me to follow my heart, I was instilled with a love for creativity and the outdoors from a young age. This passion for nature led me to study environmental biology at SUNY ESF, where I spent my days immersed in the sciences and my free time experimenting with developing my painting skills.
After graduating in 2018, I embarked on a series of seasonal environmental jobs. From working on a desert restoration crew in Nevada to scuba diving in the Adirondacks to remove aquatic invasive plants, these experiences not only deepened my connection to the environment but also enriched my artistic perspective. Each job brought me closer to understanding the delicate balance of nature and our part in it, which I strive to capture in my artwork. When COVID hit, I saw it as an opportunity to take a leap of faith and pursue my true passion for art full-time. This was a pivotal moment in my life, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my art. What I find most special about my work now is how it merges my love for the environment with my creative expression. Every piece I create is a testament to the places I’ve been, the experiences I’ve had, and the deep connection I feel with the natural world.
As the artist behind Acrylic Earth Art by Sarah, my work is all about capturing the intricate beauty and energy of the natural world through mixed media acrylic and oil painting. My art draws heavily on the organic patterns, textures, and vibrant colors found in nature, translating them into pieces that evoke a sense of connection with the earth. Whether it’s the rendering of my favorite hiking views, the delicate interplay of light and shadow in my spirit animal paintings, or the bold use of color in my large-scale murals, each work is a reflection of the awe-inspiring world around us.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to create art that resonates on a personal level with people, reminding them of their own experiences with nature. There’s something special about taking a vision, a moment, or a feeling and transforming it into something tangible that has the ability to bring joy, provoke thought, or even offer a sense of peace. Being able to share that with others, and seeing how my work connects with them, is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about creating something beautiful – it’s about fostering a deeper appreciation for the world we live in.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey so far are resilience, a willingness to learn, and the ability to stay true to my artistic voice.
Resilience has always been crucial because the path of an artist is filled with challenges, uncertainties, and setbacks. Early on, I learned to “fake it until you make it”, which really means projecting confidence even when you’re still figuring things out. But honestly, when are we not trying to figure things out? It’s better to just start living your dream and figure things out along the way. It’s about not giving up when things get tough and continuing to learn and push forward even when the outcome is unclear. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace this mindset. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – each one is an opportunity to learn and grow. Understand that your art won’t resonate with everyone, and that’s okay. What matters is that it resonates with the right people, and those people are out there.
A willingness to learn is another key quality that impacted my journey. It’s been one of continuous growth, from developing new painting skills to absorbing inspiration everywhere I go. Building your skills as an artist requires dedication and an open mind. Don’t be afraid to explore new methods or subjects – sometimes the best work comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Finally, staying true to my voice as an artist has been essential. Art is deeply personal, and it’s easy to get swayed by trends or others’ opinions. But I’ve always believed that my art reflects who I am and the world as I see it. My advice is to trust in your unique perspective. Believe in yourself, even if no one else does. If some people don’t connect with your art, it just means that the right audience hasn’t discovered it yet. Keep putting your work out there, and you’ll find your people.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The most helpful person in my journey has undoubtedly been Luke, who is not only my greatest support but also the love of my life. We’ve been together for nine years, having met in college, where our shared values and passion for the environment and the outdoors brought us together. Luke has always been my rock, offering unwavering support, encouragement, and inspiration.
One of the most significant ways Luke has supported me as an artist is by agreeing to turn one of the two bedrooms in our tiny apartment into my home art studio. This space has been the heart of my creative process, where I bring my visions to life. His belief in my work has made any challenges feel manageable, and his positivity keeps me motivated even during times of self-doubt.
Beyond that, Luke is my favorite adventure buddy. We’ve shared countless multi-day backpacking trips and camping adventures, and we’re currently planning to become Adirondack 46-ers by the end of this fall. His hard work and dedication inspire me every day to keep pushing forward in my own journey as an artist. With Luke by my side, I never feel alone. His presence, support, and love make every step of my journey feel like a shared adventure, and that gives me the strength to face any challenge that comes my way. With him is where I find much of the inspiration for my work. I strive to evoke emotion in my art, whether it’s a connection with nature or the deep bond we share as inhabitants of this earth through love. His influence and our shared experiences shape the heart of what I create, making my work not just a reflection of the world around us, but also of the love and connection we share within it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acrylicearth.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrylic_earth1997/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcrylicEarthbySarah/
Image Credits
Juan Calzada
Micaela Scarlotta
Lucas Cain
Michelle Calzada
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
