The need to paint is strong, almost elemental. When I close my eyes, powerful colours and compositions flash past—dozens at a time. Though painting them all is impossible, I try. My job is to step aside, allowing colour and pattern to meet intuition, as I hunt the fleeting pleasure of perfect composition.

I am inspired by out-of-place colours in landscapes, cracks in pavements, and the light that breaks through the world and people. I am fascinated by the courage and resilience of the human spirit to transform adversity into brighter paths. This alchemical nature—holding both the exquisite darkness and lightness of being—emerges in the bright optimism of my work.



The figures that emerge are guardians—magical allies, silent, immortal, and compassionate forces of nature and the cosmos. They move through the work, steadfast and loving, reminding us of our power and that we are never truly alone.



Painting is my pause, my meditation. It is a space where my internal processes unfold—fascinating, infuriating, integrating, and resolving. The process is deeply challenging: the chaos of dissonance and clash of elements eventually give way to harmony. It is a compelling disaster until it isn’t.



I paint in a frenzy, a calling, a need, with up to 20 works in progress at any time. Art is my constant companion—a space to observe the blossoming of life and find beauty in the cracks where light enters. My work is deeply personal, created freely and processed deeply. Yet I can only dream that my paintings contribute positively to others—helping them see the beauty in what lies beneath the surface and where light shines through.

-Sarah Sidenius