Sarah Starling considers herself a daydreamer – often thinking about where she’s been and the environments that have shaped her. Her feature show Escapism translates this very thought the use of encaustic medium to delve into the many emotional and physical layers Sarah connects to within these places. Much like the ever-changing landscapes she depicts, Sarah does not work with a strict plan, but uses a layering process that embraces chance and change. This body of work is loosely based on real places recounted from her time in the Midwest, West, and Southwest areas of the country.

Rarely does Sarah reference real photos. Instead, these images live in her memory, waiting for her to recreate them the way she remembers them. The goal within this body of work is to create worlds that feel familiar, offering a sanctuary from the demands of daily life. Sarah’s process includes building up transparent layers of encaustic paint to create bold colors and textures that mimic natural elements. Encaustic is unpredictable by nature, much like the subjects Sarah paints.

 In a world filled with noise and distraction, Sarah aims to create moments of exploration and imagination. So, ask yourself, where do you want to go today?