Meet Sara B Prejean | Painter & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara B Prejean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara B, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Eyes that look are common, eyes that see are rare.” – J Oswald Sanders

I was introduced to this quote in high school, 20 years ago in 2002, by one of my cherished art teachers and mentor, Michael Danos, where my art journey was at its infancy. This quote was originally applied to spiritual matters in one of Oswald’s books entitled, “Spiritual Discipleship: Principles of Following Christ for Every Believer”, but during that art class and through my perspective, it applied quite perfectly to the very first oil painting I ever created, which I recreated almost 20 years later entitled “2faced”. That quote has followed me throughout the years and to this day still stands as my most favorite. Not only because it synchronized nicely with the piece I had been working on, but because it also holds meaning when applied to the many facets of life such as spiritual insights, the essence of art, relationship dynamics or the motives of morals and values, just to name just a few. Are you seeing it for what it really is? Or are you skimming through it?
To me, digging deep into the meaning of life and its many facets, to not only understand youself and the world around you, but to also learn and grow is the “seeing” of this quote. While the “looking” is something I would echo from Napoleon Hill in his book entitled, “Outwitting the Devil”, called hypnotic rhythm; drifting through life without really paying attention to the details- the little things that make up the bigger picture.
As the saying goes, ‘your eyes are the windows to the soul’ and if you’re seeing rather than looking, you’re experiencing the true zest of life with a progressive purpose from the inside out which, much like the quote says, is rare.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Getting back into the art scene was both easy and hard after having put my art on the back burner for almost 15 years. I struggled with my confidence in art, drastic life changes, hardships, I lacked a healthy support system and was mentally overwhelmed. I let those things prevent me from creating art. I didn’t find the motivation to create again until a dear friend, Amy Meaux, had been going through treatments and care for pancreatic cancer, which she succumbed to in June of 2018. I just wanted her to have something from me as a reminder of how much she meant to me and that I would always be there for her. She was so strong and her soul was so beautiful and happy, even through the pain. These circumstances had only magnified my realization that I should have been creating all along. Not just because I was wasting my time and talent, but because I experienced that creating art is an amazing outlet for the things I had been going through, good and bad, and it wasn’t just for me. Others benefited from it as well, much like my friend Amy. When I felt the joy, pride and boost of confidence through the appreciation and interest that others expressed in my creations with their kind words, commission requests and purchases, not to mention, the reason I started creating again in the first place, my mindset changed. I didn’t turn back. I regretted not starting back sooner, realizing how valuable and sacred time actually is and what you do with it. I faced my fears of the unknown and possible rejections of my work and put it out there anyway. Since then it’s only progressed. As long as I’m putting in the work, it benefits me greatly, in more ways than one.

While most artists have a particular style and medium they stick to, the canvas and medium I choose isn’t the same each time. I like to paint anything from oyster shells to surfboards and canvases using oil paint and acrylic. I dabble with collage work, acrylic pours and I even hand paint leather patches for various United States Marine Corp. squadrons. I also enjoy photography because I love capturing sunsets, nature and people. I change things up a lot because I love variety and create whatever my heart desires. I have many style interests and I don’t consistently focus on one particular medium or path of creation which I think is what sets me apart from most artists. Surprisingly, it was also one of the main reasons I feared rejection of my work, because it isn’t a consistent style or medium. Turns out it was one of the things that has gotten me this far.

With everything I’ve experienced in life and in the art world my takeaway and one piece of advice I would share with any aspiring artist is this, create. Create, no matter the circumstances! And also, your mindset is everything! Stay positive and face your fears because greatness awaits you on the other side! Creating is a brilliant way to express your emotions, detail your talent and maybe even make a little money on the side, which are all beneficial for you mentally and financially. The people you meet along the way will also be a great asset to you for networking and learning more about your talent. You will be able to be of service with your talents and that, I think, is the most rewarding aspect of it all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely check out some live music, Ole Lonesome is a local favorite rock and roll/bluesy band I very much enjoy, which brings me to the places I’d suggest for food and fun, The Log On Cafe and Neches Brewing Company. My favorite place to eat my favorite food, boiled crawfish, would also be on the list, JuJu’s Cajun Crawfish Shack. I love food so I’d throw in Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant and Luke’s Ice House, too. And because I love sunsets and nature, I would absolutely suggest Terral Park/Cattail Marsh and Folsom Hike and Bike Trail where there is a fantastic hill to relax and watch the sunset.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My best friend and professional photographer Jerome Cabeen and The Art Studio Inc. of Beaumont, TX! Jerome has been an tremendous supporter and friend throughout my art journey, more than he knows. Without his push and encouragement I wouldn’t be where I am today; a thriving artist or a tenant at The Art Studio Inc. where they have displayed my art and provided a place for me and other artists to create and practice other art forms. I am abundantly grateful and blessed for both of them and where it has taken me in my art career, which I had never expected! My sweet daughter, Breleigh, is a big, behind-the-scenes reason I continue to create and set a good example for, she is my #1 fan and is with me a lot when I create at the studio.
I also can’t leave out the artists who have shaped my interests and have given me so much inspiration: Surrealist Salvador Dali and current contemporary artist Michel Keck.  And last but definitely not least, all the praise and glory goes to God for guiding me back to my talent, for the wonderful support system I’ve gained in the process and the opportunities I have experienced on this journey. I’m thankful for it all and I look forward to what else He has in store for me!

Instagram: @sarab.artistry

Facebook: Facebook.com/SaraBArtistry/

Image Credits
Jerome Cabeen