FROM MATT'S DESK: It's my turn, Today is my first post on "The Art Grind." This week I had a chance to sit down with the lovely and talented Sarah Kargol, my better half, and ask her some questions about being an artist, a mom, a wife, and an all around amazing person. I am constantly amazed by her ability to keep our family's schedules running smoothly while maintaining an active studio and exhibition schedule. Sarah is coming off a very successful solo exhibition and is continuing to work through a new body of work. I can't wait to see how it all materializes. I'm sure it will be AMAZING! So without further adieu, I present to you my beautiful wife, Sarah Kargol.
TAG: When people ask you what you “do”, how do you answer?
KARGOL: I am a mixed-media artist. Some people ask me "What does that mean?" Well, it means I use what ever I want to use in my work. I love textiles; fabrics, threads, yarns. And I LOVE old things, specifically old print. Magazines, packaging, books... anything pre-1970 with words and type, I must have. :) Matt knows. My studio smells like a thrift store. I work with acrylic paint and sometimes watercolors... depends what look I'm going for. Four years ago I was hired on as an adjunct ceramics instructor at a local university. I graduated from college 16 years ago with an emphasis in ceramics (and sculpture. and drawing.)... clay has been seducing my creative juices lately. It has been working its way into my newer work a little bit.
TAG: Do you have a day job? What is it? What does it mean to you?
KARGOL: oooh. Day job. I have a couple. I am an adjunct ceramics instructor at the local university. I am currently teaching 3-D design as well. Its a low load, three days a week. So, I have time to work on my other day job (although it doesn't pay well) as mom and wife to my 5 favorite people. I also serve on our town city council, I am acting as our community art center director, and I am president of our church women's group. I recently certified to be a substitute teacher... but that job terrifies me.
TAG: Besides your art and design practice, are you involved in any other kind of work?
KARGOL: I guess I'm now an art blogger. :)
TAG: How would you describe your subject matter or the content of your work?
KARGOL: My previous body of work's subject matter was monsters. Yes, monsters. Not the scary kind... the kind you'd want to take home with you. I worked on that body of work for 10 years. I think I took it as far as I could go with it. I started to dread going into the studio. I didn't want to paint. I was bored. So I changed it up. I retired the monsters (much to the chagrin of many of my fans and collectors) and began playing with the ephemera that I had been collecting over the years. Now, my subject is women- our uniqueness, our strength, our divinity... I am drawing inspiration from old dress pattern illustrations.
TAG: Is there something you are currently working on, or are excited about starting that you can tell us about?
KARGOL: Matt and I are collaborating and scheming about opening an Etsy shop for ceramics soon. I am super excited about that! We have the equipment... we just need the space.
TAG: What are your biggest challenges to creating art and how do you deal with them? How do you navigate the art world?
KARGOL: My biggest challenges... might be working through the nuances and hiccups of creating a new body of work after having had much success with my previous one... and making the time to do it. My life is busy... and I am learning that there will always always always be something else I can or should be doing besides working on my art. My to-do list is consistently long... housework, homework, work, kids, church, etc.
I don't know if I am navigating the art world. I am floating in it... learning to navigate.
TAG: What are you most proud of?
KARGOL: Frankly, I am most proud of my family. I have a good one.
TAG: How do you balance being an artist, mom, wife, art center director, and other stuff?
KARGOL: To be perfectly honest, I don't very well. I have a lot on my plate... things that all require a large percentage of my time and attention. Being a mom to four young boys and a wife is my priority and there is plenty to do and take care of with just that. Being an artist requires a high level of self-discipline, following a set schedule of studio time. Whereas being a parent requires a high level of flexibility, rolling with the punches and being available 24/7. I'd really like to meet someone who has this juggling act figured out. :)
TAG: How have your kids changed your life, both personally and professionally?
KARGOL: Oh goodness. How much time do you have? Personally, having children changed every single priority in my life. My life was no longer just mine... and I wouldn't have it any other way. Professionally, my children have provided me with endless inspiration and a drive to do better and push myself. I want them to see me trying hard, working hard, and succeeding.
TAG: How has your background as an artist affected your kids? Do you think having an artist parent helps inspire their creativity?
KARGOL: I think they understand that doing what you love is a necessary component to happiness in life. They have grown up watching Matt and I work our tushes off in this field, so they know art is important. They see its value in the world. They value art in their surroundings. They notice details. They can speak visually. Yes, I absolutely know that having artists as parents inspire their creativity. How can it not affect them? They are surrounded by it.
TAG: What struggles do you encounter and how do you overcome them?
KARGOL: I don't know everything. :) Whenever I encounter an unknown, I seek information or instruction from others who know. I am constantly teaching myself new techniques and attempting to master them. I have tried to eliminate the word "can't" from my vocabulary.
TAG: What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
KARGOL: I've worked at a greenhouse, a Dairy Queen, a department store, a grocery store, a teacher at various art centers, and an adjunct ceramics instructor.
TAG: What memorable responses have you had to your work?
KARGOL: "This is art?" "What kind of drugs are you taking?" "My kid could do this." "People really buy this?"
"I've never seen anything like this before!" "I love your work!" "Your art makes me laugh!"
TAG: What advice has influenced you?
KARGOL: My grandpa used to say "Wherever you go, there you are." Matt and I have moved around a lot since we got married... looking for our Shangri-la I suppose. I have learned to soak up the experiences, the friendships, and opportunities of each of the places I find myself in and make the best of it while I am there.
TAG: What do you want your work to do?
KARGOL: I want my work to bring joy. I have always wanted my work to make people smile.
TAG: How will you know when you have arrived?
KARGOL: Gosh. I'm not sure. I hate to nail this one down... because, I am working on appreciating where I am in my life and teaching my kids that enjoyment and fulfillment in life is about not wishing and wanting something else or something more. Don't get me wrong- I want and wish for plenty. A bigger house, enough money to support our family while making art, a spacious studio, some positive recognition. But- I don't want to spend my life waiting to "arrive"... the grass is greener where you water it. I'll keep working to make those wants and wishes happen, but I also want to enjoy each chapter my life while I try.
TAG: What does having a physical space mean for your process, and how do you make your space work for you?
KARGOL: This question made me smile. I consider myself the queen of making it work. My studio spaces have been in spare bedrooms, garages, basements, the dining room, and the kitchen. I think as long as I am organized in whatever space I am working in, I can work. I also work best and feel creative when I am surrounded by my supplies and paints and things that I love.
TAG: You have a varied art practice in which you employ an array of materials and mediums— how do you think this benefits your body of work overall? Are there pitfalls?
KARGOL: I love mixed media. I love the interest different materials create. I love the layers of information and understanding they can add to a piece. There are pitfalls. Each medium responds to adhesives and finishes differently... and I learn a lot of that by doing and experimenting.
TAG: Does personal history work its way into your practice?
KARGOL: Absolutely. My grandpa, who was an accomplished watercolor artist, often talked about how the small decisions we make determine the course our lives will take. He never expressed regret over the outcome of the decisions he made, however, he did express regret for not having pursued his passion in the arts more than he did. I have tried to be brave in my art making because of him... brave in my choices.
TAG: What risks have you taken in your work, and what has been at stake?
KARGOL: I think most of the risks I've taken have been monetary. For 10 years I ran the art festival circuit... applying for shows, purchasing tents and displays, paying for booth fees, gas, hotels, etc. Those were all investment risks up front with hopes (and lots of prayers) that the shows would go well, that people would respond to my work favorably and want to take my art home with them so that I would be able to help with household expenses as well as apply for and attend the next show. My subject matter when I was painting monsters was a risk. Its funny how many people either didn't get it or appreciate the work... and frustratingly funny how many people actually loved it but couldn't imagine hanging it in their house! What would the neighbors say?!
TAG: Do you have a motto?
KARGOL: "If you work really hard, and are kind, amazing things will happen." Conan O'Brien said that... and I think he's right. I might add that we have to be aware of the amazing things that are happening- even if they are not exactly what we had planned. Que sera, sera. What will be, will be... is another favorite of mine. :)
More of Sarah's work can be found at www.sarahkargolart.com. You can also follow her on Facebook.
