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Sarah Brummell-Bailey
Interview with the artist
How long does it usually take you to complete an artwork?
I think all artists get asked this one and it is so difficult to answer.
For myself, as I work when I can (ie. evenings and weekends) and don't keep a written note, it is not easy to time. But... I have 'sort of' timed the latest painting and from start to finish it took roughly 15 hours! The latest painting being Snowdrops and Ivy. Check it out!
What is your favourite subject and why?
Flowers.
Because there's a never ending variety and they suit my style. They are an interesting subject, and can be quite challenging. They often smell wonderful and it is especially rewarding to paint flowers which have been bought for me. Sadly that doesn't happen often!
Do you display your own art at home?
Oh yes!... I like to admire my work, but if I can sell it I will take it off the wall and do something else to replace it.
Are you messy or neat when you work?
I am very neat. I can't work in a mess. I like my pictures to be as clean and well presented as possible.
Do you have an unusual 'day job'?
Rather!!
I weld aquamats. (mouse mats with coloured oil and gel in them. Its an interesting and creative job. Not my true vocation though)
If money were no object which artwork would you buy?
Something by Alma Tadema.
What do you find most difficult?
Self discipline. I should be painting now instead of writing this!
What item could you not do without?
Mascara....
But for my work I guess my reading glasses now, sad isn't it?
Are there other artists in your family?
Yes and how!
My father was a great potter and painter, he worked for a well known Norfolk pottery. My mother a brilliant artist, though having seven children didn't leave her much time (I would challenge anyone to multi-task with that lot, no running water, no bathroom and no inside loo either!)
All my siblings are gifted with some form of creative talent, including my twin, who is a great painter in oils. Two of them have B.A's.
It can run in families.
Where do you work, do you have a studio?
I live in a very rural farm cottage. Surrounded by fields. Nearest shop - seven miles away! It is a great setting though. I use one of the bedrooms as a studio/office. It faces north so provides me with lovely light and great view (if I get time to look up from my work!)
What do you like best about being an artist?
I love being creative. I like to use the talent I was born with, and... being a Leo, I just love praise!
Who or what has been the most influential factor in your development?
My love of Art nouveau.
Do you have a favourite amongst your own artwork?
I am very fond of the Arum Lily painting. Though I would say I love the essence of Art Nouveau in them all.
What is your favourite media and why?
Watercolour, because it is a challenging medium and one which you must not overwork. Also, a little goes a long way. Also, if you mistake your rinsing water for your tea it won't harm you!
What is the first artwork you ever sold?
I had my first exhibition (of Batiks) back in the late seventies and within a week I had sold 21 out of 22. Great first sale!
When and where did you first exhibit your work?
At Holkham in North Norfolk in the late seventies.
Have any of your artworks ended up in unusual or famous places?
All the Batik pictures I have left are hanging in my loo. Who knows who might have one of my Moorcroft pieces? I did hear that Tom Cruise is a collector? Any commission willingly undertaken Tom!
What is the most expensive art related purchase you have made?
This has to be a trial piece of the Moorcroft pottery which I designed. It was based on the Arum Lily painting which is in my minigallery.
If you could travel back which point in art history would you like to visit?
Well...of course it would have to be turn of the century !! I mean 18 to 1900's ... and I think I would like to stay there!
What media would you like to try out?
Working with copper.
When did you first start?
I started being creative before I was out of nappies I think!
Did a particular person or event spark your interest in art?
As they were both artists, my parents encouraged me and my siblings to draw and paint and generally be creative.
Which famous subject would you like to use in your art?
The ::Glasgow Rose::
Which is your favourite art gallery and why?
I like all Art Galleries.
Have you ever had an art-related disaster?
Yes... I was hand colouring an expensive antique print of Lord Nelson in full military garb and I did his jacket the wrong colour!! Oooops.
The client forgave me as I had done such a good job on all my other colouring. The print was re-restored and I started again from scratch. It all came right in the end.
What do you like least about being an artist?
Because of the fact that you have to sit fairly still to paint, it can get really cold in the winter.
Do you have a funny story related to your art?
I had over twenty Batik paintings in my first exhibition. One of these was not very popular with my family and friends and several told me 'that one will never sell!'.
On the second day of the show a couple came in and bought it. While I was wrapping it for them to take away (They were from abroad and on holiday) they checked once more around the rest of the pictures. They were back in a few minutes saying that they had changed their minds and would like to take the opportunity to buy two different ones to take back home with them. That was fine with me and the original purchase went back on view.
An hour or so later another visitor came in and bought it.
Isn't it great that we all have different likes and dislikes?
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