Sarah Pooley’s work focuses on paintings, which can be seen as a study of artificial simulations through the exploration of social spaces and their use of industrialised technology. The creation of consumerist social space deliberately aims to manipulate experience and affect visitors through the use of architecture, elaborate interior design and artificial lighting; technology is increasingly present within these social spaces. The subject matter although based on social spaces, consists of depicting theme parks, elaborate restaurants and theatre stage sets.
Consumerist brands are completely awe inspiring with their anything goes attitude to the parks or other worlds they create. Huge set designs that push the boundaries of technology to engulf the viewer into the world that they have created for them to enjoy. Sarah’s work depicts this as a simulation of an experience and socialisation.
Going In
Self taught or art school?
Im never really sure how to answer this question so here goes.. I never had any formal painting training at school or college. I come from a textiles background, which led me onto do a GNVQ in art and design. During my GNVQ i mainly concentrated on textiles, printing and ceramics. I then went onto a 15 year career in window dressing and in store visual display . It wasn’t until i was my mid thirties that i decided to start a home study painting course with the `Open College of the Arts, the two courses i ended up completing is what gained me entry to the Cambridge school of Art at Anglia Ruskin University. At university i obtained my Degree in Fine Art BA (Hons).
Red Flare
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
The painting that immediately comes to mind is Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry night . It may seem like an obvious choice but i just can’t resist its swirling expressive colours. I think i’m drawn to it because I tend to restrict myself when i paint , i always seem to put obstacles in my way I think looking at this painting reminds me to be free with expressive painting techniques .
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as currently one of change. I completed my degree with a style that consisted of geometric forms and the perfection of the line which attempted to tell a story of experience through a visual simulation. Now my style is trying to break free of the strict confines i set myself to a more expressive form in which to share an experience.
Theatre Steps
Where are your favourite places to view art?
I love visiting the galleries in London, Tate modern, serpentine and the Barbican. I love to walk around the city and take in the atmosphere. I also always try to catch the Royal summer exhibition as well so i can keep in touch with the current trends. As i can’t always visit the big galleries i London i spend time in my local town independent galleries and of course i’m always looking online and on social media at other artists and their achievements.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
There are many that I admire like Barbara Nicholls, her watercolours I find beautifully controlled yes amazingly free and expressive. It is a quality i wish to have for my own work that fine line between expression and perfection. Mark Rothko with his atmospheric colourful paintings. Yayoi Kusama is completely amazing, her playful use of colour and immersive installations are awe-inspiring. Also Fiona Rea always captivated my attention her paintings have an energy created through expressive paint marks and storytelling.
Where to Next
What or who inspires your art?
My work is inspired by my experiences whether it be from theme parks and theatres with huge set designs and artificial colour. Shopping centres and cinemas with their grand architecture designed to draw people in to enjoy the space. Anything where there is bright colour and light inspires me, sometimes inspiration come from the natural landscape, we are also drawn to the natural landscape to get away from busy lives. The landscapes sometimes has been shaped especially for our use, but still in a natural state, colour and light resides in all of our surroundings and it is these experiences that i draw upon for my work which I capture through photography and rough sketching.
Wondering High
Peeking Through
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
I do not have the luxury of having a separate studio at the moment my studio resides in my house in a spare bedroom. I don’t think i have found my perfect studio space as of yet. we are due to move to a new house maybe when we move ill finally be able to settle in a studio space , my current space is fine but I feel constricted by it somehow . who knows what new space ill find myself when we move. I think also that my studio space needs to be within my home as my work is an extension of myself and my family .
Do you have any studio rituals?
I don’t really have rituals as such but i do need to have a clear mind , one that is uncomplicated with life stresses , I listen to music to get me int the right mood also I do some light sketching and look trough my current notes and drawings.
What are you working on currently?
I am currently working on some sketches of an aquarium and an underwater themed restaurant, I can’t wait to start experimenting colour and paint techniques.
What are your ambitions?
My only ambitions are to carry on creating work to show in exhibitions and to meet fellow artists.
