Interview: Sarah V. Smith

The Strangeness of Unbroken Land

By Luna Lark
QuailBellMagazine.com

Sarah V. Smith, a recent graduate of VCUarts in Richmond, Virginia now lives on Gwynn's Island, surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and the aura of strangeness she emits simply by exercising her everyday imagination. We shot her a quick Facebook message to see what she had to say about her art--succinctly.

Who are you--in six words?

Child of pluto, confusing and confused.

Describe your art--again, in six words!

Strange, frumpy miniatures in my garage.

Okay, seriously, you can give a little more insight into your work. What inspires you to create?


My inspiration to create work comes from a narrative I've been working on since 2009. I call it "Unbroken Land." It's heavily but not entirely based on dreams. "Unbroken Land" is a place where evolution is guided by sentient energy which effects it all the way to its eventual demise. 


How would you describe your process?

My process in creating is a long and tedious one. I start with ideas, move to sketches, and then I create a diorama. There are several steps in creating the diorama, depending on the materials. I've created miniature gardens and forests to small living spaces. Right now, I am currently working on a simple diorama with just a stretched blue sheet for a back drop and plaster sculpted floor. Each diorama is usually between 2-4 feet in height and width, the figures usually stand about 6 inches tall. Once I've completed the diorama I photograph it, and the prints are my final product. I've found this process most efficient because I can really get a feel for the space my characters are in. 


Where can Quail Bell readers see your work and how can they buy it?

Unbrokenland.com is my official website. Contact me at [email protected] for buying.

Lastly, what are you doing living on an island?


[Laughs.] I am living on an island because I had the option after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University. Its quiet and lonely just the way I like it, perfect for art making.