Age & Astrological Sign: 28, Libra
Favorite Quotation:
“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.
And you know what you know.
and YOU are the guy
who’ll decide where to go” – Dr. Seuss
Hometown: Oxford, Mississippi, baby!
How long have you lived in Oxford? I lived in Oxford my entire childhood, until I adventured to college. So for about 19 years. I now live in New Orleans, but visit [Oxford]as much as possible!
Artistic Style: I like to consider myself as a Romanticized Landscape Artist.
Favorite Medium: I like to work with acrylic paints but my favorite medium to use is textural materials, such as egg shells, coffee filters, sewn elements, and wood. I am always exploring new [media].
Favorite Artistic Tool or Implement: My hands are my favorite tool.
Art Education: I received my bachelor of fine arts from Memphis College of Art, in Memphis, Tennessee, with a minor in art history.
Where do you get your ideas & inspiration? Most of my paintings are inspired by experiences. I became a full time artist right out of college, which was the same time my father passed away. Dealing with losing a family member was/still is the hardest thing to cope with in my life. And I mainly did it through painting and comfort from loved ones. I found inspiration from memories of places my family had traveled together, adventures that are unforgettable. Reconnecting with nature and the land helped my soul find a peace with death. I want to help others find that inner peace as well, and I can do that, with painting.
While my father was fighting cancer, I spent a lot of time at doctor’s offices and hospitals, and the main thing to look at there is the art. Some were great, and some were boring and straight up depressing and did not make the experience any easier. This inspired me to make paintings that were an escape, that were happy, energetic, that reminded me of standing right on the beach, feeling the strong wind hitting me in the face and reminding myself to just breathe. Many people deal with the traumatic experiences and I wish to help them with art.
As I grow older, inspiration will come with new experiences. I fell in love and recently became a mother, which has been the most amazing chapter of my life. Motherhood is starting to change my painting world already and I look forward to what the future holds. I can’t wait to adventure the world with my family. I am just painting my journey, one step at a time.
Favorite project you’ve completed: It’s hard to pick one project, so I would have to say my favorite thing to complete would be a body of work for an event/festival. I love that I get to show my own work to the world and I love meeting and talking with my viewers. The conversation that my work sparks is the main reason I love my job. My work vibrates with energy and emotion, and meeting someone who connects to them is pure joy to my soul.
Can we see any of your art on display: I mainly show my work at art festivals around the South, from Houston to Atlanta. This will be my first year having a booth at the Double Decker Festival and I am very excited. I will be at Booth 68, right in front of City Hall. Come by and say Hi! I have all of my festivals and art market sales listed on my website, www.SarahMeganJenkins.com . Also, follow me on Instagram #sarahmeganart.
Three ideas you’d like to explore in your art: Escapism, natural patterns, and I am recently getting more into sculpture, which opens up lots of new possibilities.
Favorite Artists: Walter Anderson, Gregory Euclide, Margaret Munz-Losch, Georgia O’Keeffe
Favorite Bands: My favorite bands change all the time. Right now I am digging Leon Bridges, Adele, and many NPR Tiny Concerts. Last year it was Iron and Wine, Florence & The Machine, and Rihanna.
Favorite Books/Authors: Most books that sit on my shelf are filled with imagery of everything you can think of, from animals, to flowers, to landscapes from around the world, to celestial bodies, to medical illustrations. I also have a lot of child-raising books; being a parent you can never read too many of those.
What do you love about Oxford, and what do you wish you could change? When I first left Oxford, I could not wait to get out. But now I love Oxford. I love visiting my family here. I love seeing my siblings raise their kids and flourish in their careers. Also, my mom lives here, and moms are the best. I love love love the country side of the area. I now live in New Orleans and we do not have woods to adventure off in. The only thing I wish I could change about Oxford is how much it has expanded since I was younger. Buy Local, y’all and support the Artist! 
