Artwork of the Day: Sea, Sarah Ali

"Sea" by Sarah Ali

Today’s Artwork of the Day is “Sea,” a 27 x 27 pigmentation on cork by Artexpo New York 2012 exhibitor Sarah Ali.

Sarah Ali’s entry into the world of art probably saved her life. Born into a family of two physicians, she pursued an MBA, married and became the proud mother of three children. However, two years ago, Sarah’s health rapidly deteriorated and doctors couldn’t find the reason or a cure. After months of grueling tests and hospitalizations, the mystery ended with the devastating diagnosis of lupus.

Sarah fell into a severe depression. Fortunately, her maternal uncle JAMALI, one of the most respected contemporary artists in the world, and creator of the unique “mystical expressionist” style, came to her rescue.

“He encouraged me to start painting. My uncle taught me that painting is an act of meditation, which can bring about feelings of euphoria like no other.”

Having nothing to lose, she picked up a paint brush and hasn’t been able to put it down since! In Sarah’s work, we can see her inner experience—severe pain during a flare-up, as well as bright, euphoric colors on “good” days.

“Whatever the day brings, with the help of my painting, I can deal with this condition in a whole new light. When I paint, it brings a very intimate, intense feeling—a great sense of peace and tranquility surrounds me—I believe it has saved my life.”

Sarah’s work incorporates unconventional media such as pigmentation on imported Spanish cork. Her Fresco Tempera paintings are created outdoors in collaboration with nature and all its basic elements. In many of the pieces one can see leaves, twigs and grass. Powder paints are applied along with water to form rich textured pieces. Once the pieces are complete, varnish is applied to secure all the substrates.

Sarah Ali & Scott Birnbaum at Miami SOLO

Last December, during Art Miami, Sarah Ali was recognized by Baterby’s Art Auction Gallery as a 2012 “Best Florida Artist.”

She is also an esteemed Charter Member artist at Artexpo Studio, an online fine art gallery powered by Artexpo. Keep an eye out—you’ll soon be able to purchase museum-quality reproductions of her work at www.ArtexpoStudio.com. Meanwhile, find her online at www.sarah-ali.com

This March, you can visit Sarah and see her extraordinary creations at booth #482 during Artexpo New York 2012.