Meet the Artist

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Sarah Spalding

I have made midcoast Maine my home since 1974.

Where do these images come from?

Horses

I have loved horses ever since I was 5-years-old and was put up on our Kansas relatives' big red quarterhorse named King.That initial scary but totally exciting feeling of sitting up so high on that big, mysterious creature was a thrill. Looking out between his ears was something then and there I decided - in my little mind - that I wanted to experience again and again in whatever way possible.

Horses have been a central focus of my life ever since.

I don't own a horse nowadays, but I take care of some friends' horses many times a year when they are away. That keeps my horse-loving heart somewhat satisfied.

I also am always thrilled whenever I have a chance to be at the rail while my daughter rides. It's exciting to see her and her horse become more and more fine-tuned and skilled together!

So - horses are a primary focus of many of my paintings. They just keep appearing!

Other Animals

Dogs, cats, wolves, bears, and other animals appear out of the layers of paint as well as horses.

Many of my most trusted friends in life over the years have been four-legged furry animals.

Abstract Images

The paint does the talking, so sometimes I get caught up with the interplay of color rather than finding a recognizable form.

Influences for the abstract images have come from my love of early American Folk art, Native American woven rugs, Japanese kimono patterns, and ritual objects from many indigenous cultures - to name just a few.

Art-related Experiences:

B.F.A. from Portland School of Art (now called Maine College of Art)

Received the Doris Goodhue Dean Merit Scholarship for academic achievement

Diploma - Univ.of Southern Maine - Art teaching certification for grades K-12

Published Paintings/Drawings:

Illustrations in books by nationally recognized author, Patti Digh:

Creative Is A Verb

Life Is A Verb

what I wish for you - simple wisdom for a happy life

the Geography of Loss

(Pieces recognized under my name at the time, Davis)

All published by skirt! - an imprint of Globe Pequot Press

Most recent participation in shows:

Individual pieces in shows curated by River Arts Gallery, Damariscotta, ME.

Several yearly solo shows and other group shows (when I was using my last name, Davis) at Rising Tide Co-op - Damariscotta, ME. in the cafe gallery

Other significant influential experiences:

Plant Spirit Medicine (Eliot Cowan) - intensive course graduate

Energy Healing Institute (Jill Leigh) - intensive course graduate