Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Trumet.
Hi Sara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an artist began in my early twenties. I was processing a break-up, and I had written all the sad poetry and listened to all of the sad music I had in my CD collection at the time. I decided to go to the craft store to buy a canvas and some paints as another outlet to release the emotions I was feeling. I ended up painting a very colorful, abstract self-portrait of myself, full of rainbow hair. At the completion of that piece, I realized that painting was a powerful tool and a release for me to get through life’s hurdles. I also reveled in the fact that I had captured a moment in my timeline. I had a visual reminder of all the beauty and pain that it represented, and I could now step back and look at it from a new perspective, reflecting from the other side. In my late twenties, I got married and began my career as a teacher. I never stopped painting since that day that I went to the craft store at age 23.
I experimented with wood, canvas, acrylics, brush size, stroke size, and color combinations throughout the years, and my style was developing and growing as quickly as I was personally. I had been selling my art to family and friends primarily, and I was commissioned to do some pieces as well. A friend of mine worked for a senator at the State Capitol, and she asked if I would loan some of my pieces of art to decorate their office in the new extension of the Capitol. I was able to take my students to the senator’s office on one of our many school fields trips to the Capitol. I distinctly remember one of my students saying, “Ms. Trumet, you really should think about putting your art out by the rotunda so that more people can see it.” My first art show was the Cherrywood Art Fair, which has been a local Austin show put on by the Chula League for the past 19 years. My son was three months old at the time. It was a tough balance to work a full-time teaching job, find time to paint and market my art, and be a good mom and partner too. I got divorced when my son was three, after ten years of marriage. That time was both difficult and pivotal as my emotions were high and the financial stress and fear of being a single mom set in. At the time, I was participating in about four art shows per year, and I took on a second job as a stylist for Stitch Fix for the next four years. I was working around ten hours a day teaching, then I would go home, be mom, then work on styling after my son went to bed at night. I worked all day Sunday and part of my Saturdays, and I found time to paint only if there was a holiday, break, or during the summer. I was too exhausted to be creative, and I wasn’t fully present or invested in anything I was doing. I decided to take a break from teaching for a year and continue to style and work on my career as an artist. I even styled a couple of private clients here in town, and that was fun. I ended up getting a part-time teaching position after three months as a Gifted and Talented teacher. I quit my four-year stint as a personal stylist and the following year got my dream teaching job as a STEAM teacher. Having one job again and shared custody has allowed me more time to pursue my art, which has transitioned from acrylics to many other mediums. I have recently begun to explore the world of merchandise. I have my art on shower curtains, clocks, rugs, pillows, phone cases, and more. The merchandise route has been pretty consistent, the products are endless, and I have twenty-plus years of archived artwork to choose from! Going through the challenges and celebrations of life has given my art space to breathe. New opportunities and collaborations have been more consistent. I still create art for the same reason I did over twenty years ago- to express myself, my story, my journey, and to make colorful paintings that fill me with joy and pride when I look at them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a long road with many potholes along the way. As I mentioned in my story, time management has always been a challenge. It’s a difficult balance to have a full-time career, be a single mom, and also devote the time necessary to nurture my art career. This includes applying to art shows, galleries, festivals, maintaining a website, creating new art, and keeping up with social media accounts-all of which are necessary to become successful financially as an artist. It’s still a struggle. Does anyone want to be my marketing intern for free, lol? I also believe that being a self-taught artist comes with a greater learning curve and a longer timeline for development. On the other hand, I’m not confined to a traditional or trained approach to creating art. I’ve figured out how to create balance, composition, and perspective by trial and error, and there have been many artistic failures. These failures have been opportunities for growth where new ideas have blossomed and my art has taken a new direction.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in abstract painting, and I’m probably most recognizable for using an array of vibrant, acrylic color combinations and texture throughout my art. Although I ultimately paint to access, process, and release my own emotions, I feel a deep sense of pride when my art can give solace, beauty, a connection, or joy to someone else. I’m also proud of the progress and transitions I’ve made throughout my career as artist. I haven’t been afraid to try new mediums like alcohol ink, spray paint, paint markers, resin, fluid acrylics, screen printing, oil, fabric paint, mica powders, hydro dipping, and mixed media. I constantly experiment with new tools to use, thinking outside the box to create new effects. I’ve been building large, wood canvases and framing them to paint on for years, and recently I’ve been painting on pillowcases, towels, and coasters. I’ve also expanded into printing my art onto various types of merchandise. I believe that my passion for creating, personal growth and development, and love of color keep expanding my art.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me: The authentic connections and experiences I have with the people and animals I love, trust, support, and grow with in my life. Specifically, spending one-on-one time with the people and animals I love. This is important because it fosters inspiration, depth, motivation, reflection, and a better understanding our relationships and our purpose. Being present during these times creates meaning. Taking risks and overcoming challenges. I feel that staying in a safe and comfortable space (physically, emotionally, socially, work) prevents growth and development. Being uncomfortable is a sign that I need to gain confidence or understanding in a certain area. Then I can explore why these certain feelings or situations arise then address them and change any unhealthy behavior. Creative expression. The ability or freedom to express ourselves through writing, speech, building, art, music, or whatever outlet facilitates discovery, healing, discourse, or change is truly a gift. For me it is a necessity that displays itself in many forms- how I dress, design, decorate, give, show love, mend, connect, transform, teach, write, paint, and exist.
Contact Info:
- Email: sara.ronga@gmail.com
- Website: www.saratrumetart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saratrumet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sara-Ronga-Trumet-328227487911627
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SaraTrumetArt
Image Credits
Sara Trumet
