i first saw sarah kinn’s work when it was on display at max (boulder’s esteemed women’s clothing shop) sponsored by the boulder creative collective. the paintings hung throughout the store were done primarily in deep pinks with hits of black and grey and other startling, vibrant hues. they almost looked like textiles. the canvases were boldly feminine and so very uplifting. i immediately wanted one, and i wanted to meet sarah kinn.

sarah works out of a sunny, upper story studio in downtown boulder. when i visited, she had several canvases in progress leaning up against the walls. she often works on more than one piece at a time, as her paintings are created in layers. she begins with a full background and progressively overlaps pigments and images. sarah rarely uses paint straight out of the tube - the colors on her palette are thoughtfully composed and mixed with dabs of multiple other tinctures. sarah’s paintings reflect her experiences hiking in the foothills of boulder, as well as her adventures abroad.

the pieces i saw in max were from her abstract series, directly inspired by the ikat fabrics of indonesia. the brushstrokes are blurred to emulate the dyeing and weaving process, practiced for thousands of years, in the fabrication of ikat. both the poignant colors and compelling patterns in her abstract pieces are informed by indian saris and fabric goods.

sarah’s bali paintings have a whimsical, fantastic feel in the way she depicts the flora and fauna of the balinese jungles. she represents orchids and lotus flowers amid balinese spiritual symbols for peace, wisdom and the ascension of the human spirit, establishing a colorful, thriving, joyful paradise.

the flower series paintings have delicate, complex, textured backgrounds hosting a single, large flower rendered only in white with a simple, black outline. the contrast of the uncomplicated, flat blossoms against the intricate backgrounds is unexpected and striking.

sarah’s work has been presented at the denver art museum, the longmont firehouse art gallery, new york’s APW gallery, as well as many local boulder galleries. she is available for commission pieces. contact or follow sarah at sarahkinn.com.

to see sarah kinn’s commission work placed in the home click here