Sally West

Sally West is a leading Australian artist known for her thick impasto brushstrokes, textural surfaces, oil paintings of seascapes and still life’s. As we did this interview we imagined the wind the waves and Sally West plein air painting at Freshwater Beach, also referred to as “Freshy.” For our reader who has no clue what we are talking about, this is a lovely iconic beach in Australia on the East Coast of New South Wales. Sally has been the winner of many recent art awards and is a regular finalist in many prestigious prizes including the Portia Geach Art Prize (SH Ervin Gallery 2013, 2014 & 2015), New South Wales Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize, Paddington Art Prize (2016), KAAF Prize (2016), EMSLA (2016), Salon Des Refuses (Wynne) Prize, Charlatan Ink Art Prize (Manhattan NYC), and the Pacific Palms Art Prize (winner 3 years), Gosford Art Prize, Mosman Art Prize, Hornsby Art Prize and many more. Many thanks to Sally for taking the time to answer our questions we hope to see you someday painting in Australia.

Q: Hi Sally, perhaps you could describe where you are right now? This way everyone reading along can imagine the setting.

A: I am currently staying on the farm where I grew up in Central NSW. It’s a sheep and wheat farm, 10000 acres, red dirt, vast open spaces, hot and dry. Many flies!

Q: Thank you. Now that we have a visual, will you please introduce yourself to our reader, a little synopsis if you will?

A: I am predominantly a plein air painter; however, when the weather is bad I often work on producing still life works and portraits in my studio. I live in Sydney on the Northern Beaches. I love painting the ocean. However, I also enjoy painting the bush and street scenes.

Q: What affect do you hope your work evokes in viewers?

A: I hope to evoke a response. Whether that be of like or dislike, as long as I move the viewer to respond in some way, then at least I know the work is speaking.

Q: I like that answer. So tell us what would your theme song be, or song to take into the fray of activism to help change the world.

A: “One Love” - Bob Marley.

Q: Where can people view more of your art?

A: On my social media, @sallywestart.

Q: Very last question. Any last words for our readers, shout outs, declaration of love or hate?

A: Love our planet.

Q: Thank you.

Interview: Liz Rice Mccray