Having a background in high-end interior design, Sari (pronounced Sarah) has shifted her career to focus on decorative painting, infusing her distinct style and perspective into her work. Here’s an in-depth look at her inspiring journey.
I knew I wanted to be an interior designer by the time I entered 6th grade. I did not really care about anything but art and design. After earning my degree in interior design, I worked for a residential designer for a few years and then decided to just go out on my own.
I have been a solo practitioner since 1992. The majority of my projects were plan to completion - new construction or extensive remodels. I have had the opportunity to work with wonderful clients and some fabulous projects.
I always wanted to do more to get deeper in the process of design. I think my favorite words are wow, now & next. I started working with Ann Schooler, a designer who also owns one of the finest antique stores in Texas- Wolf Hall. She does a lot of custom furniture for her design clients mixed with antiques.
She has a full carpentry shop in the back of her 10,000 sqft antique gallery and design studio. She was having a large Spanish bench made for a ranch project that was to have a weathered painted finish. We were all having lunch and she mentioned the bench and that she was not pleased with the finish. I agreed and told her I could achieve the finish. She had never seen anything I painted and I had never told her I could paint. She sort of nodded my way and raised a brow and sort of blew it off. So I went home and made a sample and handed it to her the next day.
That started my turn into decorative painting. I started with that piece of hers in my garage. Then she had me do several pieces that were in the shop. 18th century chests, 19th century Spanish desks, we had pieces made and I gessoed and painted as Italians did centuries ago. I was surrounded by so much inspiration at Wolf Hall and Ann specifying projects for me to complete for her clients. She stretched me as a decorative artist and it has been such a gift.
For the first 3 years I exclusively painted for Ann. I set up an LLC and ended up painting full time. I moved out of the garage and found a studio space. Ann gave me her blessing to take on outside projects and designers were waiting at the gate when SMI Design + Fine Paint became open to do so. I truly owe everything to her, my true Interior Design Godmother. Other designers respect and listen to her. I was just blessed and lucky to live in her orbit. I still take selective design clients but my main desire is to paint for other designers.
Why IDAL?
I have been searching for a professional group of serious decorative artists to be involved with, hoping I could find a group that would provide continuing Ed opportunities, classes, lectures…
I cannot believe I stumbled upon IDAL during an online search and that I caught it right before the 2024 convention. I had more fun and learned more than I expected. The classes and getting to know members was priceless. I can’t wait for the next conference!!
I would like to see IDAL provide more classes, maybe study trips and product information as well as specialized technique classes with product vendors.
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