We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sara Luna a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sara, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been quite a journey, one that I don’t think truly ends, but it’s definitely become more manageable. You see, imposter syndrome is like this persistent companion for many artists – a nagging voice that just won’t quit. But I’ve learned some ways to tackle it head-on and soften its grip.
I remember when that voice inside my head used to relentlessly chant, “Your art is nothing but garbage, don’t even bother.” But slowly, with a lot of effort, I managed to shift that narrative. Now, it tells me, “Your art is something special, something wonderful, and people are going to recognize that.” It’s been a transformation that demanded a lot from me.
The first big step was freeing myself from toxic relationships, starting right from my own family. I’ll never forget the time my uncle scoffed, “You should get a real job washing dishes or something… this “Art” thing is not gonna take you anywhere.” And even my ex-husband once remarked, “I Wouldn’t pay a penny for art… such a waste.” Those hurtful words were like weights dragging me down, making that internal voice even more harsh and critical. Cutting ties with that negativity was essential.
Yet, it wasn’t just about distancing myself from toxic influences. I embarked on a journey of self-healing, a process of confronting old wounds and facing past traumas. Years of this allowed me to extend forgiveness to myself, understanding that my past actions were a result of not having all the tools I needed to be better at that time.
And bit by bit, as I shed those layers of pain, the voice inside my head began to change its tune. It started to evolve, becoming gentler and more nurturing. It’s as if by releasing myself from the weight of those toxic relationships and healing old wounds, I made space for self-compassion to flourish.
So, here I am, still a work in progress, but with a more loving inner dialogue. Imposter syndrome might never entirely disappear, but I’ve learned to make it more of a whisper than a roar. It’s a journey that’s infused with the feeling of growth and self-discovery, and I’m embracing it, scars, brushes, and all.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a fiber artist currently living and creating in Helper, UT, though I was born in Chile and carry the vibrant culture and traditions of my homeland with me in my work. My artistic journey began with my pursuit of degrees in visual arts and digital illustration, which laid the foundation for my exploration into the world of fiber art.
My work combines weaving, stitching, and hand spinning to create unique pieces of art. I begin by dyeing the fiber black and then use a drum carder to blend it with white, creating beautiful gradients (just like mixing paint!) Once I spin the yarn, I can start bringing my art to life.
I start by weaving a canvas as the base for my artwork. Then, I use stitching to create captivating portraits. The combination of weaving and stitching seamlessly comes together, resulting in captivating and expressive artwork that showcases my creativity.
By blending these techniques, I can craft portraits that go beyond traditional boundaries. Weaving, stitching, and hand spinning form the core of my artistic process, offering a distinctive and captivating perspective.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my craft is the process of hand-spinning my own yarn, I find joy in creating gradients that are entirely unique to my style, and in the tactile experience of working with natural fibers.
Through my art, I strive to honor the beauty of traditional Chilean textiles while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this medium. My work is a reflection of my passion for portraits, and my dedication to my craft is evident in every piece I create.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’ve come to realize that three standout qualities, skills, or knowledge areas have made a tremendous impact on my creative journey: proficiency in digital tools like Photoshop, the art of spinning my own yarn, and the knack for thinking outside the box.
Firstly, honing my skills with digital tools, particularly Photoshop, has proven to be a game-changer. This proficiency empowers me to meticulously mold reference images, allowing me to refine and polish them until I’m genuinely satisfied with the result.
Secondly, the art of spinning my own yarn has truly set my work apart from the crowd. It adds a layer of authenticity and distinctiveness that’s hard to replicate. To those starting their journey, I’d suggest exploring unique skills like yarn spinning.
Lastly, the ability to think outside the box has been my driving force in venturing into uncharted creative territories. This mindset fuels my passion for uncovering new possibilities and unexplored avenues.
For newcomers, I encourage you to embrace a mindset of boundless creativity. Embrace the unorthodox, challenge norms, and be open to experimentation. This approach has the potential to catalyze breakthroughs that infuse your work with innovation and originality.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my most substantial avenue of growth and advancement has centered around a complete shift in technique. Transitioning from punch needle to weaving and needlepoint has marked a pivotal transformation in my artistic journey. Originally, my artistry was deeply rooted in the punch needle technique, refining my craft for six years to develop a signature style recognizable as my own. But by the end of 2022, I hit a bit of a roadblock. Punch needle, as much as I loved it, had its
limitations when it came to achieving intricate details. I realized that to really dive into the
details, I needed to work on larger pieces. Plus, spinning my own yarn added an extra layer of
Complexity.
That’s when weaving stepped onto the scene as my new artistic adventure.
Today, I’m still exploring the intricate world of weaving, focusing on the portraits I had in mind
when I started my fiber journey in 2017. Exploring this new technique and pushing the limits.
Through my work, I seek to honor the legacy of indigenous textile arts, while also bringing a
modern perspective to these age-old techniques.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.saralunart.com
- Instagram: saralunart
