We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Denise and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Houston, Texas and I lived there until I was 21. We moved around a lot when I was growing up. I remember starting and stopping things a lot. Art was always something I could float towards in whatever school I ended up attending. I believe the diversity that I was exposed to from a young age is showcased in my art. I do just about everything; Modeling, Photography, Surreal wall art, Drawing, Painting, Hand stitching, Pressing flowers, Resin art, and I make and design jewelry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The thing that got me started making jewelry was how many pieces I had in my life that fell apart easily. I wanted to be able to repair them for myself and that turned into designing and creating my own items. I began to wear my jewelry in my own day-to-day life so that I could make sure they were up to my standards as a full time employee, artist, and new mother.

There have been a lot of mental challenges for me to battle during my life and time as an artist. I have a hard time thinking I am special in a world full of so many valuable beings. A lot of times I try to view my art as if I am a stranger seeing it for the first time so I can get excited all over again and truly appreciate the rawness and vulnerability behind finding old and broken items and giving them another life. I love the vague nostalgia that comes with piecing things together.

I think what I want the world to appreciate and take away from my art the most is the juxtaposition behind what some might refer to as broken, aged, or messy items combined with the beauty of flowers and nature. Things tend to get discarded too easily these days; whether it is physical items or the people in our lives. I guess my whole existence is a statement on not giving up, and instead fighting tooth and nail for the truth and beauty we all deserve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE thrift shopping. One of my favorite spots is Lost & Found Vintage in Royal Oak, MI. It’s one of the first places my now husband took me to when I first came to visit Michigan and I actually ended up finding my 1920s vintage wedding dress there years later.

We would absolutely have to hit The Oakland – Art Novelty Co. in Ferndale, MI. It’s a gorgeous little speak easy with handmade cocktails and non alcoholic beverages. The perfect place to go when you are feeling fabulous for no reason – or for every reason!

Another fantastic spot is Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanic Museum in Farmington Hills, MI. I heard about it before I ever moved to Michigan and it was everything I dreamed of and more! The walls and ceilings are covered in eclectic décor, toys, and old signage. There are new and old games of all kinds – including original pieces from Coney Island. I take everyone I can there and no one has ever been disappointed.

Outside of that, I think the local or state parks are amazing. There are so many options for hiking and to enjoy nature in general.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would say my family for many reasons. Whether it was to try and impress someone or to try and rebel, there was always someone encouraging me to go forward in my art journey. I remember my Grandparents giving me my first Flower Press when I was a young girl. It was wooden with little children playing in a field on the cover – It’s no longer in working condition, but I absolutely still have it. I plan to keep it displayed in my art room forever. Flower stains and all!

It may sound odd, but I also gather a lot of inspiration from being outside observing nature and the people around me. I remember as a teen loitering around public places and writing down funny things I would hear people say – all out of context. I have found that strangers can be some of the funniest and nicest people you could meet in life.

Instagram: Fables.Official

Facebook: Fayble’s

Other: @Aura.Dinary is a secondary Instagram handle

Image Credits
B&W Image Credit to Erin Miller of Detroit, MI

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