I’ve always had restless hands, driven by a deep urge to build, create, and explore. From a young age, I immersed myself in drawing, crafting with found objects, and constructing miniature worlds, always driven by a need to record and interpret my experiences. My creative journey began in the tactile world of craft—whether knitting, sewing, or repurposing materials—yet I longed to create something truly my own, something that spoke to my inner world. This desire evolved into intricate doodles and patterns, though I still grappled with the idea that my work wasn’t “real” art, unsure of how to fully express myself.
In my early 40s, I was given the opportunity to explore my creativity in new ways, and I spent the next decade experimenting with textiles—working with fabric, thread, and fiber to create expressive mark-making, collage, and painting. Through this, I began to develop a deeper connection with my artistic voice, although, at times, I felt constrained by the expectations of creating something practical. Despite this, my love for the tactile nature of materials has never wavered, and it continues to influence my practice.
Today, my work is a vibrant exploration of texture, form, and emotion, brought to life through acrylic paint, drawing materials, collage, and ink. I thrive in the realm of abstraction, often incorporating stencils, patterns, and lettering, alongside materials like paper and tissue, to craft both semi-realistic and abstract compositions. Working across paper, wood panels, and canvas, my focus is on creating layered, complex pieces that engage the viewer’s imagination and curiosity.
Inspiration comes from a diverse range of sources—travel, landscapes, nature, and the textures of everyday life. I am drawn to dramatic, emotional scenes and contrasts, where organic shapes and interesting juxtapositions evoke movement and energy. Beauty, whether found in a color palette, a personal experience, or treasures gathered from beaches and antique shops, consistently fuels my work.
My creative process is deeply exploratory, shaped by both experience and experimentation. I often start with simple marks and gradually build layers, delving into sketchbooks as a space for idea development and standalone thematic exploration. Sometimes, my ideas extend into textile pieces—embroideries, art quilts, and fiber-based works—that add tactile dimensions and complement my painted and collaged creations.
What sets my work apart is the way I weave together diverse artistic processes. My background in textiles—embroidery, quilting, and felting—remains a foundational influence, guiding the transition from mark-making and collage to painting. My compositions vary, moving from pure abstraction to pieces that include realistic elements, such as silhouettes. The play of contrast, whether through color or perspective, challenges the viewer’s perception, inviting them to explore both the intimate details and the broader narrative of the piece.
Through my work, I aim to evoke a sense of discovery, wonder, and emotional resonance, offering a space for the viewer to engage with the complex interplay of form, texture, and emotion.
Sally Harrison Artist 