What’s your business name and what do you do?
Sarah Madeira Day - Artist
How did you learn your craft?
Natural instinct and many years of studying and family influence. I was very lucky to have an excellent K-12 public school art education, a very supportive family and I majored in Studio Art in college (BA). Painting/Drawing seem to be one of those crafts that you continue to learn each time you practice.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I love working for myself, running a business and customer service. Being creative everyday is a big time bonus for me but, if I feel I have positively impacted someone else, that is a real win.
What do you enjoy least?
When problems arise. I just bumped into a problem where my shopify system would not let customers complete their orders and I had no idea how to troubleshoot. I feel terribly when things don't operate smoothly for my clients.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your work?
I've never loved one of my pieces and I feel like I am constantly learning, evolving and hoping for better. I play the comparison game all too often (which is not healthy, I would tell anyone else "you are great, just the way you are"). I consider myself a small business owner but not an artist and I'm hoping one day to find my footing where I feel comfortable enough to believe in the career I am practicing.
What’s one artist you look up to?
I have always loved Edward Hopper for his work on light and composition and Fairfield Porter for his exploration in color.
What do you do when you’re not creating?
I'm a Mom. I never thought much about having children, I dreamed more about having a career. When we did have children I didn't realize how much I would like it. Not so much the parenting aspect, I am a rule follower but I do not like to be a rule enforcer, but the fact that you have two people you've made with the person you love so much and they sparkle with personalities that meld parts of both of you. They are so creative and definatant and kind and exactly who they want to be. It is something that really inspires me. I also like to run and bike, which I often do. l love to cook and clean (I know, who likes to clean but I strangely love it). I tend to like things that are difficult during the process but have very satisfying outcomes.
Night owl or early bird?
Neither? I love to sleep. I go to bed early (like 8:30-9) and wake up around 6. My husband is a very early bird who rises at 4 and thinks I'm a sleepyhead.
What's your favorite place in Maine?
My "hometown" of Mount Desert Island (I'm a Southwest Harbor girl but I think of the Island as a whole). I love the park, the ocean, the lakes, the mountains, the whole lot. I love the comradery of living in a place that thrives during the shiniest of seasons but strengthens during the hardest. It is a place that will always have my heart and I will continue to visit as long as I can.