FLIGHT OF WHIMSY
Artist Sarah Pratt takes us on a journey through the quirky world of her artworks
Born in Zimbabwe and living in Cape Town, artist and specialised printmaker Sarah Pratt is fascinated with the natural world. Her latest works feature a range of bemused animals, from puffins to zebras, wild dogs and horses, caught in unexpected and sometimes absurd poses. We catch up with the artist and chat about her ideas and inspiration.
Where and how did your journey with art begin?
I have loved drawing for as long as I can remember. As a child I was constantly decorating books and cutting out things. My official journey into the industry probably began when I met artist Helen Lieros in Harare as an 18-year-old. She saw something in me and encouraged me to pursue fine arts.
Your work centres on nature. How did your fascination with wildlife begin?
My father is an extremely observant person and he brought up his children to notice the smallest things in our surroundings. He also taught us to have the patience to observe, to notice the unique and quirky behaviours of all things living. As a result, I get enormous pleasure from all beasties.
Speaking of pleasure, I really get the sense you have fun with your pieces — is this the case?
Definitely. Aside from the obvious pleasures derived from working onto crisp archival paper, I genuinely enjoy assembling my characters in various unusual ways.
And conversely, what do you want people to feel when they look at your work?
That’s a tricky question. I would like them to be amused I suppose, but mostly I am happy that they are looking in the first place.
What mediums do you prefer to work in? At present my favourite medium is gouache. I love its flatness and obliging nature. I also have a deep and constant love of linocuts.
A medium you'd like to experiment with? Linocuts on a really large scale. If I am honest, the exquisite torture of planning and the precision cutting involved appeal to me more than any end result.
The best thing about being an artist?
For me, it is when people get pleasure from looking at my work. Also sales, because then I am one step closer to being able to make my art for a living.
Sarah Pratt is represented by Salon Ninety One gallery in Cape Town. See more of her work at salon91.co.za