Bed-Stuy Art Walk | Women in Art Panel and Exhibition

Sitting with select works from 2013-2015.

"Woman in Art", Bed-Stuy Art Walk, Macon Brooklyn public Library.

Last Saturday, I was invited to be apart of what became my first solo panel and exhibition apart of the Bed-Stuy Art Walk. I had the chance to discuss my work, perspective as a female artist and break down each piece.

Each peace holds a special place in my heart. This was a great moment to reflect while releasing them at the same time. 

Initially, I was told there would be other artists for the panel, however I learned that my style, consistent and approach to the subject matter got the attention of the organizer and was the only artist for the event. After being contacted, I organically chose the works that closest to me, and truest to my artistic voice. The panel was a bit over an hour and we were able to deliver a dynamic discussion touching on all the things possible.

After talking about my work, the curator, Hamida Novachovich shifted into topics like inspiration, women's perception of art making and more.  At some point I said, 

When asked about my work, I'm often asked "Feminist? Pro-Black? Melting pot of other labels and themes of life?" 

Check, all of the above. 

The label is self-reflective. "I represent that which I am. A black female artist. I like representing other black female artists. That is identifying self in others, spreading reflections of my kind. No labels are made really, when it is done by the majority, but rather when it is done by the less than seen, it's questioned and considered activism. These days, I think "why does I have to be a protest to represent the image that you are.?" "... You are born for it. Now more than ever we need to take advantage of representing ourselves while we have that platform."

Here are all of the works that were displayed. Sitting with works dating from 2013-2015. All works are currently available. Any inquiries please contact me at sarajbillustration@gmail.com 

Prints, Edition of 20 (hung). : 🔝

"Just Surrender" : 

14 x 18 print in 18" x 24" frame

"With These Hands" :

16" x 20" print in 20" x 24" frame

"Buckets to Bags: What American Dream?" : 

14" x 18" print in 18" x 24" frame

Original Paintings 🎨🔛 shelf

"The Capacity of Holding On"

Acrylic on Canvas

16" x 20"

"Waterfalls: Left Eye Tribute"

Acrylic on Canvas

16" x 20"

"Be Still"

Acrylic on Canvas

16" x 20"

Just Surrender

Acrylic on wood Panel, (birch) Gloss Varnish

16" x 20" 

"Woman in Art", Bed-Stuy Art Walk, Macon Brooklyn Public Library, 8.1.15

📷 @ebony_bolt 

Higher Learning.... Let It Go!

Hey loves! This month has been about building some serious momentum. I've been making an effort to step outside of my comfort zone and analyze my habits. Habits that are no longer serving me and habits that are bringing me #higher. To get higher, you must let go of what's holding you down. This can be so many things and sometimes we must really take a step back and ask what we are willing to change.

It's time to free ourselves so we can increase our capacity. 

P.S. Read Show Your Work by Austin Kleon. I have just read it and recommended it to some friends and have been marinating on some of the quotes in this great book. One that has really stood out to me was, in order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen-- really seen".

-Brene Brown. (mentioned during a TED talk).

I recommend it to all artists and creatives, seasoned or aspiring. 

I felt this older piece I did back in January featured in the Type Indicators Group Show, can speak for these thoughts. 

The Capacity of Holding On, 2015.

Original is available and prints are available in sizes made to order. I am willing to discuss pricing and availability via sarajbillustration@gmail.com

CHRISETTE MICHELE | ART: PAINTING |TIME LAPSE|

I spent last Tuesday working with amazingly humble and talented singer, songwriter, Chrisette Michele and her ‪#‎RichHipster‬ team for the New York stop on her ‪#posenpostsymposium‬‪‎tour‬. What a empowering atmosphere. Here's to pushing concept and a deadline, and ultimately will.I wanted to gift Chrisette with this painting while I had the opportunity to volunteer for her venue so I got started once the concept aligned with me. With 72 hours till the time I was due to show up, I started by stretching my canvas on Friday night. I created a reference pulling from a few different musical influences I have found in her music as well as reference to her latest E.P. cover art to tie it all in as a whimsical portrait.  Due to my schedule, I could only paint for a few sessions in a total of 2 days if I wanted to execute my deadline. On Sunday, around 4pm, I started sketching the portrait, scaling it properly onto my canvas. I worked from 4pm- 3am and for about 5 hours on Monday. from 10pm-3am. 

Add caption

On Tuesday, 12 hours before It got to be in the hands of the muse herself, I took an hour to observe my work and successfully wrapped and packaged the painting (ready for shipping) about an

 hour before arriving to volunteer for her amazing @posenpostsymposium event. 

We had been hands on with Chrisette for the entire event. I waited until the event was over to gift her with the painting so she could be at a less busy state. It was an unreal moment, and amazing to watch her observe and give her feedback about it. Her kind words warmed my heart and it felt awesome to transition my creation to the muse herself. Just as I had imagined, Chrisette was just as humble and down to earth and receptive. I already appreciate her music and her brand ‪#‎RichHipster‬ and now it has maximied x10 after spending time with her, in painting and in person. ‪

Gifts are meant to be shared. I appreciate her talent and support her light in the industry. Stay sharp and steady working is the way to go!

I like referencing an image that exists so I can capture the likeness, however incorporating elements that create mystery and fantasy are things I've been exporing for a while.

Stay tuned for more posts coming soon with more snippets of what's in store for me.

Who knows what the future may bring?

UPDATE 4/21/15:

CHECK OUT THE RECAP VIDEO ON YOUTUBE TO SEE THE EXCHANGE START AT 2:11

https://youtu.be/ykCtiP99kNw

Chrisette Michelle Pose and Post Symposium NYC Recap - MAIN EVENT

Late last week, one of my all time FAVORITE artists in music, Chrisette Michelle jump started the Pose and post Symposium tour. An 8 city tour of pdiscussing all things social media branding, featuring a panel of three youtube bloggers including one of my favorite gals, Ambrosia Malbrough of Brosiaaa , as well as Fash of Lover4Fashion, and Courtney of CourtneyNaturalHair/TheManeChoice.

I was selected as one of 8 volunteers out of hundreds of applicants to volunteer with her PR team #RichHipster and get the venue setup. After a couple of hours the venue was ready and select youtubers who came in to interview Chrisette were allowed in. I got to meet some of the girls I love to watch, including Jasmine Rose and Pevielle. They are two of my favorite vloggers alongside Brosia (who was on the panel).

The ladies shared so many good tips that I have been feeling like I've known to consider for a while and now it's time to put it all into action. Showing what you like to do and having people respond to it by being you is important. In my field it's relevant to show people your interests as an artist so they see your ideas.

Here are a few picks and videos of the event that I was able to catch while lending my hands at the New York stop of Pose and Post Symposium.

Pevielle interviewing Chrisette for YT segment to air soon.

Me, B and Karyolyn in the middle of volunteering. These girls are gifted as well!

Chrisette singing "Art" and "Super Chris"

Aerial shot of the packed venue.

Shot of the Panel

Lover4fashion. Chrisette Michele, AmbrosiaMalbrough, and Courtney

The Fab 8 NYC. So grateful for the 100's of applications to volunteer for @posenpostsymposium. @krissdiditchose each cities 8 and we love each of you so much. Thank you! I think we had the BEST pizza in NYC! Tonight? Raleigh!

UPDATE:

https://youtu.be/ykCtiP99kNw 

Cc: @ceedotcee 

My Return to Mediums on A Canvas

So it's been a while since I pushed Publish on my blog. I have been juggling a bit of different platforms but it's nothing like bringing someone to look to one place for what you'd like to share Not everyone is on every platform but everyone can type in a link to a blog. 

As an artist, what I enjoy most is being versatile. I wear many hats and use many different mediums, to create different styles of art. One constant is I'm an artist, being creative, putting a story, an image out there. I was really overwhelmed by my variety of interests and started to worry about not connecting or coming through with a clear vision because of this, and sometimes I would take too long to decide what direction my blog was meant to go in. 

Right now, I'm living in the now. I'm going to share, what's in the now. Why? So my voice can be reported somewhere that I know I can direct people. It's my sweet haven, where my words are recorded along with updates on the work I'm doing. I'll be recording it all here, again.

I don't want to start a new blog because I don't want to lose track of the progress I've already made, nor lose the content that has been put into it.

I'll pick up where I left off, and start right now. Now, for some updates on some work of 2015, keep reading, on the next post.

Type Indicators Group Show @ Art Helix Gallery

"The Capacity to Hold On" 16" x 30" x 1". Detail.

Before I knew my niche, I knew my values. They were instilled, learned and edited. I learned a lot about 
the mind and wanted to engage in topics about identity and culture. After thinking long and hard I knew illustrative painting was my way. I wanted to say alot but only if i could speak in my language, art. I've been painting and drawing with many goals in mind, one being not to lose myself in the process. I've always kind of held on tight and I'm sure many of you have too. With holding on comes a lot of chain reactions including the possibility of stunting your growth. I can go on forever but I'd rather bring this to my message... I am so excited to share my first experience consigning my work with an art gallery in New York.

Free next Friday night? Stop by the ArtHelix Gallery where I will be showcasing along with 40 artists participating in the Type Indicators Group Show at the Art Helix Gallery. 

Curated by Wilson Duggan, inspired by the Myers Briggs type indicators personality test. 

Visit ww.arthelixgallery.com for the links and press release below for more info on this event.

BLICK ART SHOW AT ART HELIX GALLERY

My piece Queen of the City is on view at the Art Helix Gallery in the Blick Bushwick Art Show curated by Jackie Cantwell of The Bishop and Wilson of Duggan of the ArtHelix Gallery. Please stop by to see works of 30 artists. The opening night was amazing. The turnout was great and I appreciated all of the feedback on my work from fellow artists and guests.

On View Dec. 12th- 21st.

"Queen of the City"36" x 36" Acrylic on Canvas.2013

Uncaged Heart

 Good Morning loves. Sonia Williams (@sonjiawilliams) stole my heart with her latest creation which took 2nd runner up from from last week's aired episode of @projectrunway #allstars. I loved the entire concept of the challenge and it felt really personable hearing the stories from each designer.

Loved how they incorporated their personal lives into their designs and couldn't help holding onto Songai's words (paraphrasing) about being in a more confident relationship that allows her to hold on tight to her beau after dealing with "those" losers. I felt inspired to do make a big effort to do away with the general emotional losers in life.

 The loses; the worry, the doubt, the sabotage. That's my life's loss. It's inevitable but it's my biggest feat. My point tonight is that nothing is wasted. Transformation is a reality. As artists, creative beings, vessels of life, it's our job to connect. I feel even more inspired to uncage and let my heart spread out in every work like never before... follow thy heart. Here's to the future and focusing on positivity! Have an amazing week!

Getty Images

Captured illustrating backstage at CZAR by Cesar Galindo Fashion Show by Noam Galai.

#454864168 / gettyimages.com

CZAR by Cesar Galindo MBFW SS15 Presentation

Recap from a wonderful experience drawing live illustrations during  the CZAR by Cesar Galindo Mercedes Benz  Fashion Week Presentation. What a dream! I have worked backstage at Venexiana's 2011 SS12 Show at Lincoln Center as an intern during her casting and presentation on the runway. However, since those days, I have wanted to do live illustrations at the a fashion week venue for a designer. I'm so thankful to Brandon of  Would You Rock This  for the great opportunity to lend my skills to the show.

Cesar Galindo's designs were full of color, simplicity, line and graphic elements. The concepts for hair and makeup; elegant, french braid. Take a look at my experience through illustration and photography.

Here are some of my illustrations from the event. I found myself so immersed in the process, and loved the experience of capturing so many of the different variations of the production to the actual presentation. As someone who loves to work behind the scenes, I found my mind working 10 miles a minute, feeding off of the adrenaline and wanting to capture the energy of those moments.

Backstage Hair & Makeup CZAR by Cezar Galindo SS15 MBFW Presentation ©SaraJean-Baptiste 

Photos taken on my phone while sketching from backstage; hair and makeup at the CZAR by Cesar Galindo SS15 MFBW Presentation at the Hudson Hotel.

Photos from my phone from the presentation at the  Czar by Cesar Galindo SS15 MBFW Presentation at the Hudson Hotel.

Photo by Jay Marroquin
http://instagram.com/p/spzyHPOCGm/?modal=true

Photo by Brandon Graham of Would You Rock This

Photo by Brandon Graham of Would you Rock This

Photo by Brandon Graham of Would You Rock This

LIFESTYLE | SUMMER SKINCARE

I know I haven't graced my own blog for a few weeks now. Mainly, I just wanted to come back with a fresh approach after considering many lifestyle changes and plans on making going forward in life, surrounding my habits, art, and my relationship to social media in entirety! Since summer is near it's end, I decided to do a passion project focusing on my skincare routine as it has been a major positive!


Here's my story.

Growing up, I was somewhat always around the beauty industry in some way. My mom sold Mary Kay when I was very young and being around that intrigued me. I also was always around backstage and art or performance in some kind of way and have always been a fan of makeup and the beauty industry. I had some embarrassing acne and discoloration throughout my pre-teen years and even had oily acne over my forehead when I was in the 6th grade. Once I started high school, it was ON and Sephora was a saving grace- haha! I But treating my skin was never really the focus of my routine at all, and I believe my skin suffered. Dark spots, rough, dry texture (on top of not having the best diet in the world) showed on my face and always made me feel like I looked older than people my age.

Fast forward to this summer and I finally got a clue. In a world were pictures are a big trend, I was so determined to tone it down for my own presentation's sake. At the start of the summer, I knew it was time to put the foundation away since I have oily skin. As much as I love an artistic full made up face but I found myself getting too dependent and becoming one of those beautifully late and didn't actually care for all that attention.  I have always had a love hate relationship presenting myself so I decided it could all be so simple and went for a minimal approach for he summer.

I decided to start by stripping my face of foundation and going with groomed brows and a lip to compliment. It was much more convenient and allowed me to focus on grooming the most prominant areas of my face.

Now a days, my makeup consists of these simple staples.

1.H&M Sunglasses
2. e.l.f. studio brow kit, $3
3. Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother SPF 20, $6.49
4. e.l.f Studio Small Angeled Brush, $3
5. Mac Cosmetics Lipstick Lady Danger, $14
6. Mac Cosmetics Lipstick Rebel, $14
7. Simple Skincare  Cleansing Facial Wipes, $4-6
8. Street Level Bags (makeup pouch included with handbag)

On June 20th, I took a trip to The Body Shop where an amazing buy 3 get 3 free deal was taking place. I spent about 2 hours at the store discussing the products and figuring out which of their different lines would work for my skin and what I was aiming to do. Given my history with foundation, my focus was even skin tone and acne treatment, as well as prevention. I decided on a few products which I have religiously been using in my routine every day. For just over 2 months now, I can say that I am glad I stopped myself from the overuse of makeup. Check out my routine and my staple products to see what I can't live without now-a days.

Morning Routine

 Every morning once I get to the bathroom it's about skincare ---immediately! I've become so excited about skincare once starting this routine and it has seemed to pay off for my skins appearance.

I start of with 1. The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion cleanser which doubles as a scrub. I gently massage and the rinse off, following up with my AHAVA Sun Protection Anti- Aging Moisturizer. Now, I must say sunscreen is the BOMB. I grew up thinking it wasn't that serious for me since I have dark skin but I've educated myself so much more on it and applying it to my life has well, changed it! I will NEVER again apply body lotion on my face. I have become a believer in sunscreen for the first time in my life and believe that it's use has changed my skin's texture and even appearance due to it's protection fron UV/UVB rays.  The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost is effective as a pimer before makeup application but since I'm off that banwagon it's also used to coat the moisturizer used under it and help firm dull skin. My results have been noticable to me. There is a subtle satin finish and glow to my skin now. 

Night Routine

Along with the vitamin C line, The Body Shop Tea Tree Line caught my eye a.s.a.p. simply on the stength of the tea tree ingredients being a major factor. I was convinced because I knew I didn't want to smell like tea tree during the day and worked it into my regimen due to the fact that it has a night cream meant to focus on your skin overnight. The Night Lotion feels like a facial peel once rinsed off the next morning. I've noticed a smoother and cleaner surface on my skin since using it. I approve. The pore perfector has been a staple daily, when I use it I see a primed surface for leveling my pores.

Weekly Routine

Sunday is a day that I pamper myself all around. I relax, I wash my hair, and do my facial symoltaniously at the end of my wash regimen. I usually apply the Tea tree facial mask when I'm at the end of a good deep conditioning treatment. It's amazing. With this on, my entire body just feels like it's being renewed for the week ahead. You get a lot of product in the container, and where I am now, I should be good for another three months at least! MAJOR STAPLE. 

Skincare Products, from The Body Shop and AHAVA.

Before I became a believer, I spent about $70 on all of my products combined thanks to the Body Shop Sale. 

1. Cleanser/ Scrub- The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion,$21
2. Sunscreen- AHAVA Sun Protection Anti- Aging Moisturizer, $15 (on sale) $38
3. Primer- The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost, $27
4. Foam Cleanser- The Body Shop Tea Tee Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser, $13
5. Night Lotion- The Body Shop Blemish Fade Night Lotion, $19
6. Pore Minimizer-  The Body Shop Seaweed Pore Perfector, $20
7. Facial Mask- The Body Shop Tea Tree Mask, $15

Hopefully this post wasn't too long or dragged beyond the overall point.  I'm happy I made this change and I will continue to use these products through the fall. I also realize I will probably need a moisturizer that focuses on nourishing the skin so eventually I plan on adding some Vitamin E products from the Body Shop later this month.

What products or lifestyle changes have helped your skin improve? Let me know!

COCO & BREEZY MUSES OF FASHION REVIEW

Hey everyone, back in April, I attended Would You Rock This drawing session curated by Brandon Graham where the eyewear designers Coco and Breezy posed and modeled eyewear from their previous collection. I've been a fan of Coco and Breezy's eyewear, work ethic and mantra since my younger days on Myspace days. It has been amazing to havewatched their growth as designers. Both Brianna and Corianna were so sweet and humble and honestly have reflected interpretations my ideal muse. Women like them, fashion forward with a grind psyche have always been apart of the voice I've aim to convey in my work. I was so inspired capturing them in the moment saying to myself, I "know" these girls! They are MY girls ... The expression of being comfortable in your own skin and how you choose to express yourself through your fashion. Then there's bringing your A-game to your craft contrast to the status-quot or the market as well. I was inspired to paint them as a duo, a unit and a pair in all looks because even though they are individuals, their brand is evident. Two souls, one vision. Sisterly love!

 Client

Coco & Breezy  | Eyewear

http://cocoandbreezy.com/

I captured these women in a few different looks. They dressed in their signiture monotone style, loose racerback tees, snap back caps, vintage prada jacket, Dr. Marten boots and their ultimate accessories... two pairs of their eye collection from last se

collection; "Mosi" and "Rainy Days".

Line | Rainy Days

Brush | Rainy Days x Mosi

After the event, getting kind words from the duo, sketches were seen by Coco & Breezy themselves.

 I'm so grateful for their nod to my work. 

 

 

Press

Below is a full version to my piece that was selected by Coco & Breezy.

Line x Brush Digital Finish:  Back to Back w| Rainy Days

I'm looking forward to what the future holds. 

-Sara

Tonight's Best

Tonight's Best Gouache, Ink, Photoshop 2014

Last night I got a chance to attend the Society of Illustrators sketch night presented by my former professor Bil Donovan. One of my living heroes of fashion illustration,  and a fine artist himself, I appreciate a good abstract approach to painting the fashionable. 

Breathtaking looks one after the other and emotional gazes given by these models brought me back to sitting in his Concepts of Fashion Illustration class that he instructed while I was at FIT. I couldn't help but think of positive vibes and thinking about how we can put our best foot forward after getting knocked down or going through a really hard time. I had to tell myself, confidence, confidence and only positive energy allowed. Here is what I felt was my best that night, done in ink and gouache on paper with digital finish of a photoshop brush.

Here are some originals from the session.