SARAH RHODES
Photo by Samuel Rhodes
Becoming an artist developed organically and was not something I had ever imagined doing. It was a result of following my heart and being true to what I wanted to do. I followed my interests from studying a psychology and fine art degree, working as a photojournalist, working in the web team telling stories about museum collections, and then teaching in academia. Each of these experiences have given me my framework through which I unpack my ideas.
Art is a space where I can explore ideas and tell stories that I feel are important.
My most memorable experience so far was working in a team of five creative directors on the Venice Architecture Biennale last year when I am so used to working on my own.
My experience of Sawtooth began when Zara invited me to participate in Flow, an exhibition in partnership with the Huon Valley Council in 2022, where we exhibited in both spaces. I also tested ideas in the Members Space while studying my PhD.
This 25th anniversary print sale is a lovely initiative that both supports and promotes the careers of artists while fundraising for the ARI. It is great to see Sawtooth playing a role in developing the careers of local artists.
Biography
Living and working on lutruwita / Tasmania, Sarah Rhodes explores ways in which the natural environment can guide an understanding of one’s inner world. Her interest lies with how living on an island, bounded by coastline, heightens a connection to place and fosters the artistic imagination. Isolation and connection, self-containment and belonging are key themes of her work and intrinsic to living on an island. The notion of belonging is key to the portraits as it affirms we are intrinsically tied to the universe, natural world, community and ourselves.
Sarah was awarded the Womens' Art Prize Tasmania 2020 and highly commended in the tidal.22: City of Devonport Tasmanian Art Award 2023. In 2023, she completed a PhD in the School of Creative Arts, at the University of Tasmania and was one of five creative directors of the Australia Pavilion at the Venice Biennale Architecture 2023.
@sarahrhodes.artist