Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Bardin.
Hi Sara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my artistic practice in 2009, initially turning to portraiture as a way to ground myself from the overwhelming demands of work and motherhood. However, my creative path was transformed in 2013 by a visit to the U.S. Botanic Garden. This experience sparked a lasting fascination with capturing the ‘inner essence’ of flowers, and I have since dedicated my work to translating that vitality into a space of tranquility, calm, and healing for the viewer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since I paint more for my well-being I wouldn’t say I have had any struggles other than finding the time to devote to my art. I recently became an empty nester after raising two student athletes who traveled extensively for club volleyball. This limited the time I could devote to my craft. I now find myself with the time to devote to creating, which invigorates my inner peace.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint the natural world in bold, luminous color, treating each stroke as a deep, calming breath. I began my artistic practice in 2009, initially turning to portraiture as a way to ground myself from the overwhelming demands of work and motherhood. However, my creative path was transformed in 2013 by a visit to the U.S. Botanic Garden. This experience sparked a lasting fascination with capturing the ‘inner essence’ of flowers, and I have since dedicated my work to translating that vitality into a space of tranquility, calm, and healing for the viewer.
My work also showcases my dedication to the unique properties of acrylic paint. Chosen out of necessity due to my sensitivity to chemicals, this medium has become my creative collaborator. While acrylics are often noted for their quick-drying nature, I embrace this constraint, transforming it into a vehicle for possibility. I love the vibrant, high-impact colors that acrylics deliver, and use them to make my botanical subjects leap from the canvas. Through my work, I aim to share the uplifting, restorative energy I have found in my own practice since day one, inviting viewers to experience a sense of emotional balance and physical well-being.
In addition to being an artist, I am the Director of an award-winning District Government agency in Washington DC. I have been a part of this office for 26 years where we focused on modernizing our processes and leveling the playing field to help District residence through the zoning process.
Above all, I am most proud of the life I’ve built at the intersection of public service, art, and family. Balancing a demanding career and motherhood alongside a deeply personal creative practice has been my greatest achievement. Art continues to be my sanctuary, and bringing that same sense of restorative calm, color, and healing into the lives of others is the ultimate fulfillment of my journey.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson of my journey: self-care isn’t selfish, it’s foundational. You can’t support the people in your life if you’re overwhelmed and exhausted. Make time to pause, breathe, and recharge on your own terms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artbysarabardin.com
- Instagram: Artbysarabardin
- Facebook: Artbysarabardin
