I am an American, multi-media artist with 20+ years of background in ballet, theatre, music, and design. I bring together mixed media to express abstract reflections in paintings and photography.

This collection is inspired by wine tasting and adventuring in Walla Walla, WA, USA in late August 2021.

The art features original watercolor, acrylic modeling paste, and gold leaf on cold press acid free watercolor paper in glass frames or stretched watercolor canvas in plastic.

This collection was on show at Studio Luxe October 2021 and Albina Press Coffee Shop December 2021.

“The swift and optimistic lines, the courage, the joie de vivre, a restrained and thoughtful composition, the play with the white of the paper, the echo of Japanese painting, the clever use of transparency: fascinating work on paper.” — Víctor López-Rúa, Artist

Close-up of a framed wall art piece with an abstract painting featuring muted colors and gold accents, viewed from an angle.

A wooden table with multiple watercolor paintings of landscape scenes, with art supplies and additional artwork in the background.

A framed abstract artwork leaning against a white wall, with several other similar framed art pieces on the floor nearby.

Two framed abstract paintings with brush strokes and splatters in black, gold, and muted green colors on white backgrounds, placed on a light wooden surface against a plain white wall.

Multiple abstract watercolor paintings with black, gold, green, and orange splashes in white frames, laid out on a wooden surface.

This collection explores complex moments of tension where we desire greater peace and serenity in life.

The art features original watercolor, gold leaf, and embroidery on 140lb cold press acid free watercolor paper in glass frames.

This collection was show at the Float Shoppe in Portland, OR November - December 2022.

“Sarah Cargill’s art is immediately soothing and captivating. The juxtaposition of raw, dark watercolor against vibrant gold lead highlights builds a masterfully stunning contrast. The subtle and delicate embroidery makes for a warm, bespoke, and irreplicable beauty that completes each piece elegantly.” — Nathalie, Art Curator at The Float Shoppe

Embroidery floss on paper patterns with sketches, scissors, and a packaged skein of embroidery thread on wooden surface.

Art workspace with sketches on paper, scissors, a ruler, thread, and pens on a wooden table.

Three pieces of paper with abstract sketches, placed on a metallic surface, with a small metallic thimble on the side, and a brick or stone surface in the background.

I picked up watercolors for the first time in 2019 while rehabilitating a traumatic brain injury. Days later I began to dream in vivid paints and brush strokes. I found the meditative embrace of imperfection bleeding onto the page to be healing in a way that became a life practice.

The “Recuérdame” collection, which means remember me in Spanish, is inspired by the ofrenda tradition for Día De Los Meurtos honoring loved ones who have passed.

The art features watercolor on 4x6in 140lb cold pressed watercolor paper in acrylic frames.

Collection of watercolor portraits of diverse people, each on individual white paper, laid out on a wooden table.

Six watercolor portraits of women, each with different hairstyles and facial expressions, arranged in two rows of three.

Four small drawings of people's faces on paper placed on a wooden surface.

A black and white cat sitting on a wooden floor facing two photography softbox lights. There is a camera on a tripod, scattered books or pamphlets, and a white bucket or container in a minimalist room with white walls and a large green plant partially visible on the right side.

A white vintage sideboard decorated with candles, flowers, and framed photos of elderly women, with a mirror above reflecting a living room.

Watercolor painting of a smiling woman with glasses and short hair, wearing a black top, against a white background.

Watercolor painting of a woman with short hair and red lipstick, with an abstract, blurred background.

Watercolor painting of a smiling man with glasses, a beard, and a mustache, wearing a dark jacket.

Watercolor portrait of a smiling woman with short brown hair, wearing makeup, and a dark top.

Watercolor painting of a smiling woman with short hair, wearing sunglasses, and a scarf, with a white background.

Watercolor portrait of a person with short hair, smiling, wearing a scarf, with vibrant orange and yellow hues on their face, against a white background.

Watercolor portrait of a woman with dark hair, red lips, and a black top, with an abstract background.

Watercolor painting of a woman with short, wavy hair, wearing red lipstick, with her eyes closed, dressed in a dark top with an orange-brown background. Signed with an 'S' in the bottom right corner.

Watercolor painting of a smiling woman with short, curly hair, wearing a black top, signed with an 'S' in the bottom right corner.

Watercolor portrait of an older woman with short, light brown hair, wearing glasses, red lipstick, and a dark top.

Watercolor painting of a woman with short hair, red lipstick, wearing a dark green top, smiling. The artwork has abstract brushstrokes and splashes of various colors.

This collection explores the ways animals can provide us with observations, teachings, and reminders for how we can embrace our inner animal instincts to navigate the world.

I felt compelled to paint these while reading “Waking the Tiger: Health Trauma” by psychotherapist Peter A. Levine, exploring how we can learn from the way animals in the wild heal trauma to release our own experiences.

I also enjoyed creating these into patterns as I imagined different print applications for the home and office.

Repeated pattern of a white tiger's face and upper body, arranged in a grid on a black background.

A digital illustration of a large brain with a network of connecting lines and nodes over a black background, symbolizing neural pathways or artificial intelligence.

Illustration of an octopus with green shading and circular tentacle details, intertwined with a green leaf.

A repeating pattern of green octopus illustrations on a white background.

My paintings are an expression of life experiences, emotion, and beauty through an abstract lens. I enjoy experimenting with archival ink, watercolor, colored pencils, gold leaf, embroidery, molding paste and other mixed media on paper to create minimal, livable works.

PAST SHOWS

Summer Art Collection at Honey, I'm Home Goods +

The Serenity I Seek at The Float Shoppe +

The Layers Collection at Albina Press +

The Layers Collection at Studio Luxe +

Summer Art Collection at Honey, I'm Home Goods + The Serenity I Seek at The Float Shoppe + The Layers Collection at Albina Press + The Layers Collection at Studio Luxe +

This collection was inspired by the feeling of romantic love.

The art features original watercolor, colored pencil, and sharpie paint pen on 140lb cold press acid free watercolor paper.

Multiple sheets of paper with painted pink brushstrokes laid out on a wooden table.

Abstract watercolor painting with shades of orange, red, and pink, featuring splatters, brushstrokes, and texture.

Abstract watercolor painting with shades of orange, pink, and red, featuring splatters and brushstrokes, with the letter 'S' in the bottom right corner.

Abstract watercolor painting with shades of orange, pink, and yellow, featuring sweeping arcs, textured strokes, and small white accent dots.

Abstract watercolor painting with shades of orange, pink, and yellow, featuring splashes and brushstrokes, signed with an 'S' in the bottom right corner.

Abstract watercolor painting with shades of orange, pink, and red, featuring curved lines and splatters, with the initials 'S.' in the bottom right corner.

Abstract watercolor artwork in shades of orange with red sketch lines and white splatters, signature 'S' in the bottom right corner.

In early January while catching up on friends’ stories, I came across alarming footage of my friend and her family emergency landing on the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 that lost its door plug shortly after takeoff.

I checked in immediately and watched the aftermath unfold. A few days later, she posted photos of the plane tickets asking what she should do about them. I half jokingly said, “ritualistically burn them!” After a few more moments of thought I followed up with the idea that she could make an art piece to transform it into something beautiful. And then a few moments later I said, “And, I can help you do it if you want.”

Excited by the notion of memorializing and transforming the traumatic and harrowing experience into art, a collaboration between Nicole’s family and I began.

Creating this piece was confronting for me — likely all of us. I wanted to hold space for their grief and the release of the trauma. I also have my own fears of flying. So reading and listening to their journal accounts of the experience so that we could visualize metaphors and concepts to transform it on paper at times welled up anxieties and tears. But it was so worth it because I was so moved by this commissioned art piece and working with Nicole and her family.

After reading journal entries, creating mood boards, and meeting to discuss concepts for the piece, we identified some meaningful visual metaphors we wanted to resonate. I then drafted the piece digitally in @Canva before putting it to paper. I held my breath as I took risks I had never taken before such as ripping a big hole in the piece and pinning it up in a curl.

This piece also took on much more texture and depth than I’ve ever done before — the torn paper with the tickets layered underneath, the curled paper pinned up to hold its shape, the pink cloud held up by a water bottle lid that they received after landing, the embroidery and gold on paper. With so much measurement and complexity to put it together, I was pleased with how minimal it still resonated in the end.

The peeling back of layers and depth of layered paper represent the ways that we try to piece together the story from multiple perspectives, news sources, photos, and details to make sense of the experience. The ambiguity of the sunset and sunrise represents the opportunity to live another day and reminds us to be present. The juxtaposition of the starry night sky and sunset captures the sensation of cold and warmth – as well as the surreal beauty of the moment. The torn paper reminds us of the jagged edges of the hole in the plane contrasted against the beauty of the stars. The starry night sky is symbolic of hope, protection, guidance, fate, and presence. The abstract interpretation of the sunset is like a warm, comforting cloud. The dotted lines represent the many paths that ultimately led to the moment. The gold line represents the path that landed safely and holds us up. The overall layout is akin to a dream catcher where nightmares can be trapped in a way that no longer haunts.

Sarah,

Your piece hanging on my wall is more than art—it’s a fragment of our lives, a captured echo of an experience that our family will carry forever. It’s really comforting to have something to point to when someone asks about our experience. Hav — Sarah, Your piece hanging on my wall is more than art—it’s a fragment of our lives, a captured echo of an experience that our family will carry forever. It’s really comforting to have something to point to when someone asks about our experience. Having a visual seems to take the pressure off of the person looking at my face while I recount the story. The texture and dimensionality really draw you in. Seeing our boarding passes from Flight 1282, each name a reminder of how swiftly a routine flight can weave into the fabric of our personal history. The paper tear now holds a dual meaning for us. It represents not just the world we explore but the unexpected jolts that life can deliver. The boarding passes beneath it remind me of the descent we never anticipated—our collective breath held in suspension, the surreal calm amidst chaos. The small details like our woven life paths made of string, so fragile, but resilient shining gold post experience. You’ve transformed our harrowing experience into a symbol of continuity and strength. Your art has given our momentary fear a permanent shape, one that allows reflection and somehow eases the memory with its creative expression. These passes were just slips of paper, part of a routine process in the anticipation of travel. Now, they’re part of a story—a narrative of a journey unlike any other we’ve taken. The way you’ve interwoven them with color and form gives them movement and a voice. You’ve framed a memory, and in doing so, have framed resilience, the closeness of family bound by shared trials, and the understanding that life’s fragility is also the source of its beauty. Thank you for immortalizing our journey, for allowing us to look at these passes not with a shiver of what was, but with a nod to what we’ve overcome. With heartfelt thanks, Nicole and Jeff

I love the opportunity to collaborate on commissioned projects. Together we’d determine the purpose, space, size, story, style, and colors we’d want to convey. I’ve been challenged to incorporate found pieces, leverage photos, transform traumatic experiences, or be inspired by music for past clients. All of it is inspiring.

This commissioned series was a gift for a metal music lover. Inspired by his favorite albums and concerts, the pieces combine minimalism with a moody rock and roll vibe.

“For my husband’s 30th birthday, I commissioned custom art from Sarah Cargill and I could not be more impressed. She took a genuine interest in trying to understand me, my husband, my vision, the space, etc. She ushered me through each step of a process about which I knew nothing! Frequent check-ins ensured the final product was beyond my expectations, and she took things a step further to help with hardware, instructions, and wrapping which not only created an amazing end product, but also an amazing experience. If you’re looking for someone who will bring your vision into reality (but better), Sarah is your person.” — Mikaela Cox, Client

“The swift and optimistic lines, the courage, the joie de vivre, a restrained and thoughtful composition, the play with the white of the paper, the echo of Japanese painting, the clever use of transparency: fascinating work on paper.”

Víctor López-Rúa, Artist
“Sarah Cargill’s art is immediately soothing and captivating. The juxtaposition of raw, dark watercolor against vibrant gold lead highlights builds a masterfully stunning contrast. The subtle and delicate embroidery makes for a warm, bespoke, and irreplicable beauty that completes each piece elegantly.”

Nathalie, Art Curator at The Float Shoppe
“For my husband’s 30th birthday, I commissioned custom art from Sarah Cargill and I could not be more impressed. She took a genuine interest in trying to understand me, my husband, my vision, the space, etc. She ushered me through each step of a process about which I knew nothing! Frequent check-ins ensured the final product was beyond my expectations, and she took things a step further to help with hardware, instructions, and wrapping which not only created an amazing end product, but also an amazing experience. If you’re looking for someone who will bring your vision into reality (but better), Sarah is your person.”

Mikaela Cox, Client
“You’ve transformed our harrowing experience into a symbol of continuity and strength. Your art has given our momentary fear a permanent shape, one that allows reflection and somehow eases the memory with its creative expression.”

Nicole Erickson, Client