What is your artist background?
I’m a kiwi but studied Visual Arts at RMIT in Melbourne. I started exhibiting while in art school and my first gallery representation was with Monster Children Gallery in Sydney in about 2008. That was such a fun scene and was aligned with surf and skate culture where I already had a lot of buddies, so I had friends represented by MC and met new friends through that gallery. At the same time, I worked on my first album art project for a musician, my bestie, Ladyhawke, and that opened up a new career path for me. I have since Art Directed and/or created the artwork for upwards of 25 record covers and received a Grammy nomination for the album package (cover art, inlays, booklet etc) I created for Whispers by British musician Passenger.
When did you start doing your art?
Childhood - it made me a primary-school pariah, but I didn’t do the expected after-school and weekend sports because I was focused on the creative “projects’ I had on the go at home. Mum, Katy Sanson, is an artist, so having access to many art supplies was a given. In my high school years my art skills really came together and when I attended Selwyn College, which was a liberal and arty school at the time, the teachers there helped me flourish. Then came the dull jobs... to fuel some world travel, which primed me to study art at University at age 23.
When did you start your entrepreneur journey?
With the first Ladyhawke album. It wasn’t something I could undertake while working another job, so I scored a New Business Allowance (Australia) to carry me until I was paid, and et viola, I soon had more album commissions, fashion collabs and an agent for other work. A couple of agencies approached me and I went with the NZ one, the lovely International Rescue, who rep me to this day! I supplemented my art income, and had paid my way through art school, with a DJ residencies until 2010 when I moved back to NZ.
How do you describe your artwork style?
Thematically whimsical, not overly serious, a little bit sexy, with (for better or worse!) references to pop culture. I paint in watercolour with a process that’s informed by printmaking, in that I usually layer tones until I get the depth and detail I want. In most of my commercial work I take my painted watercolour images, digitise them, and finish the layering and composition in photoshop.
Have you always done your field of art or was there other types of art that you have done?
I would have loved to be a musician, but DJing was as close as I could get! I’ve also dabbled in a bit of moving image, studied film and worked on or directed a couple of music videos.
What is the best/ideal environment for you when creating your artwork?
I do love a collaborative project, like the album art I’ve worked on with Ladyhawke, and my work with McLeods brewery... but after the brainstorms and conception I want to be in my studio, on my own with a few dogs, or maybe one other quiet person around.
I need a view for when I’m wool gathering and, while music helps me when I need an energy boost, 99% of the time I listen to audiobooks. So many, many, audio books. A good book series keeps me focused and is creative gold for me.
Who do you admire the most?
My friends and family who have the tenacity to keep working away at what they love, despite the bumps in the road.
What values are important to you?
Compassion and a strong moral compass and openness.
Any advice for aspiring NZ artists?
Work with your friends, make your own scene and there’s no right or wrong way to do this.. just keep making the work.
What was the inspiration behind your artwork for your PieceHouse puzzle?
I’ve done a few pieces of busy social scenes and wanted to work in that place, but with a sunny and vibrant afternoon palette, and to have the freedom of painting a luxe and leafy scene, filled with heroic local people (they all have great back-stories, in my imagination). Sarah is the artist that created the Happy Hour hexagon puzzle.
What do you do to help keep your mental health in a positive place?
I take medication, and it’s been life changing, for one! Lifestyle wise, It has taken time to learn what I need, but I now highly value a quiet evening, and cherish the still of the morning before anyone else is awake. I recharge by being at home in my garden, cooking, or even better.. doing puzzles in the sun.
