BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO
We stumbled upon a botanical print at Rogala Design a couple of years ago that we still think of to this day. It had a striking black background contrasted with delicate ballet slipper pink flowers in a turquoise vase. Amy told us it was a Sarah Fitzgerald and we’ve been smitten ever since. You may have met her inside her booth at Firefly Handmade, or maybe you’ve seen her work in Pottery Barn. Either way, she is an artist to know and we were grateful to have a moment of her time to learn more about her journey and process.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue art and design?
I knew from a young age that I loved art. My parents also knew this as I once drew a life-size Christmas tree mural on our living room wall! My love for art continued as I grew, but alas I took a roundabout way into painting as many artists do. I felt pressure to have a “real job” so I earned a degree in Science of Design and did the responsible thing of working as a graphic designer for over a decade. This wasn’t all bad, I appreciated getting to use color, composition, photography and typography, but still longed to get out from behind the computer and get my hands dirty. After my husband and I had our first child it seemed like a good transition time to step away from the day job, so I finally came full circle and began painting and illustrating. Finding the time to create can be challenging, but I now pursue painting and growing as an artist as close to full-time as I can.
How did you find yourself in Denver?
I followed the sunshine! I know that is cliche´, but like many others I was drawn to the idea of being outdoors all year long. I have lived on both coasts of the US, in small towns and the largest cities, but ultimately what anchored us in Denver was the love of all seasons; getting to play in the sun and snow was a large part of what drew us in.
Tell us a bit about your process. What mediums do you prefer to work with?
I mostly paint with acrylics on a substrate called clayboard. I often rough out the composition with a light sketch, then work with the layers of paint, and finally using wood carving tools I create the details and linework to finish a piece. I generally work in a few categories; Foundations, Flora and Fauna. I tried to be clever there and continue the theme of my brand name “Fitz Farm” which comes from my last name Fitzgerald. ha! Most of my paintings do loosely fit into one of those categories in some form. Foundations are landscapes—places, a refuge, a physical building, nature. Flora represents the process of growth and the transformation that happens to living things over time. Fauna includes animals and often the relationship of humans with animals. In particular, I like to imagine that two creatures (a girl and a wolf for example) can find connection despite it being an unlikely relationship. I like to depict scenes that may be hard to imagine this side of heaven but are hopeful for what is to come. As for my style, I feel that emerged over time and out of my background in graphic design. I think the designer part of my brain wanted to bring a little order to the chaos side of my artist. I found a healthy marriage between the two by painting loosely and then doing detail work with lines after.
What is your state of mind when you are creating a new piece?
Honestly? It depends on what kind of week I am having! Sometimes I am super excited and can’t wait to get into the studio, and some days I feel overwhelmed because I am preoccupied with all the details of running the home. It is often hard to carve out time to create when I am also running logistics for a family of 5. But once I get into the “zone” it feels great and I am happy and productive and it all flows… when it all clicks and comes together it is the best feeling!
Can you give us a glimpse into your studio?
My studio is a shed in the backyard that was once my husband’s home office! We actually built it in our backyard when we lived in Wash Park and when we moved we disassembled it and rebuilt it as my painting studio at our new home. It now has a second life! I have a view of the kids zip-lining and my garden beds; it is in the middle of the happy chaos of life.
What advice would you give budding artists?
There are many different paths you can take to pursue art as a career. Do what works for you, inspires you and brings you to life. Don’t compare yourself to other artists and what they are doing or how they are doing it. Bring what you create into the world with authenticity. Be relentless, finding your voice takes time, be patient with yourself!
What is your take on the Denver art scene?
I have found the Denver art scene to be thriving and supportive. There are many opportunities for up and coming artists to participate in local shows, markets and pop ups. Getting out there, sharing my work and talking with people is the perfect antidote to the solidarity that comes from working alone in a studio. Painting can be very isolating and being involved in the local art scene has been so very rewarding by being able to connect with people— both other artists and collectors!
Have you had any notable collaborations?
Yes! Nationally I have had pieces selected and sold by Minted, Pottery Barn, Target and have been published in Domino Magazine. Locally, I have been fortunate to work with Nine Dot Arts and Rocky Mountain Children’s hospital. I have often run into people at shows that recognize my work from the time spent in the hospital and hearing stories of how my art comforted them during those hard times is the best gift! I have been selected as an artist for the Denver Botanic Gardens “community supported art” program. Rodeo Adventure Labs, a bike company located here in Denver, has commissioned me for hand painting custom bikes and illustrating graphics for apparel. I have also worked with a number of interior designers and collectors doing murals in both homes and offices.
Where can we find your work?
Currently my schedule has been full and I am mostly online via my website (www.fitzfarm.com) and instagram (@fitzfarm).
Some of my current paintings may be found at Rogala Design and Coeur Curated Interiors.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Hopefully, more paintings! I am trying to clear the decks in the new year to dedicate more time inside the studio.
I would love to dedicate more time on commissioned pieces and also to working with interior designers to take on more mural projects.
We appreciate your taking the time to chat during a very hectic month, Sarah. If you’d like to learn more about her art, visit fitzfarm.com for a view of her vast collection.