Meet Sasha Furlan | Artist

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

Hi Sasha, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
How much a community means in your business… Meeting people, hanging out and sharing stories is equally important as doing the actual work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I question the role of painting In a rapidly changing world order, and how it fits into to the world consumed by screens. Recently, I started a food series: Its architectural scale and apparently simple geometry show an influence of Sol Lewitt’s wall drawings. I am questioning the power of art to change things, even though it is the only tool I have left. I enjoy the process of painting, and communicating with the viewer through art. Parallel to my studio practice, I also love creating public artwork, graphic design and lettering. I see it as an applied art, where you have to resonate with the community you’re creating for.
My art journey? I wanted to be an artist since I was 5. My dad bought me professional equipment that I had no idea how to use. I went to art schools and my first sold piece in a gallery was a tiny watercolor of one of my hometown’s tourist attractions. Croatia in the early 2000s was not an easy place to live, but I always somehow managed to support myself as an independent artist. There were times when I would take a full time job, and that was so hard because I would be so exhausted and eventually stop creating. But luckily there would always be a crazy opportunity that would put me back behind my easel.
About 10 years ago I moved to US. It was weird, to leave the whole life behind. I had to start all over. That was the moment I realized how much community means, how the relationships that you subconsciously create through your life, open doors for you. It teaches you to be humble.
I also think this makes me a unique mix – coming from a different culture, soaking up different values and creating something new.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First of all I would take them to one of the beaches- Encinitas area is my favorite, and closest to my house. Tour and lunch in San Diego Harbor area, dinner and drinks in downtown Oceanside. I also like UTC mall- the combination of shops and restaurants in an open area. Reminds me of home I guess. Balboa Park museums are a must, but since I have a whole week, I would do a day trip to LA – I just love the vibrancy of the art scene- from big museums to street art. Palm Springs would be a great day trip too- I love driving through the desert, and exploring crazy architecture styles from 20th century. Car meetup would also be scheduled- I love the American car culture- admiring restored or modified classic cars. It is also fun to spend a night with my friends at one of the downtown San Diego rooftop bars/clubs, and I love going to concerts.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m thankful for my family, for the endless support they give me every day. I’m also thankful for my friends, all my great teachers and people who bought my art in Europe, and I’m thankful for communities who accepted me here, in United States: my kids’ elementary school Mission Estancia in Encinitas, Oceanside Museum of Art, US Arts Education Center and Art Scol in La Jolla
And special shoutout to Jessica and Natalee!!!

Instagram: @sashas_signworks @sasafurlan051

Facebook: Sasa Furlan