From her studio in Surprise, Sarah Simmerman has honed her abstract style, built from years of practicing art in a variety of styles and mediums.

Her original abstract paintings can be seen in exhibitions around the Valley. Surprise Independent asked her the following questions:

Name: Sarah Simmerman

Where I live: Surprise

What do you create?: I use vivid colors, dynamic textures, and geometric forms to create bold abstract compositions. My abstract style has been built from years of practicing art in a variety of styles and mediums. I gather my inspiration from the beauty of the Phoenix area, often using colors and abstracted shapes I see along the hiking trail.

What inspired you to become an artist?: I have been painting my entire life, but spent a decade focused on family and career. Over the past few years I have put more priority on my health and wellness, taking this time for self-reflection and getting outdoors more often reignited my inspiration in the arts.

What most looking forward to regarding this year as far as opportunities for your art career to grow?: I paint numerous studies, experimenting with a variety of colors and techniques. I love this process of testing and incorporating new elements within my existing style and look forward to seeing how my work evolves over the year. I also love showing my art throughout the year, I have had the opportunity to meet a number of extraordinary people so far and can’t wait to meet others in the arts community.

What are the biggest challenges of living/creating artwork?: For me, knowing when a piece is done can be a challenge. It’s too easy to keep adding to or reworking a painting. Sometimes I step back and know 100% that a painting is done, but other times I leave it in view for a few days before declaring a piece truly finished.

What other activities do you enjoy?: I love to go hiking as the sun rises or sets. There are so many wonderful trails to explore around Phoenix. I cherish spending time with my family; playing games, getting creative, and exploring the area together.

If you had four hours with absolutely nothing to do on a Saturday, how would you spend it?: Depending on the weather I would either go for a hike, spend some time relaxing in the pool, or painting in my studio.

What is your No. 1 suggestion to new artists?: Find other artists and build a community. It is so helpful to have a network of artists you can talk to at every stage in your career.