Pop culture but make it kitsch: The art of Sarah Graham

Step into the world of Sarah Graham, and it’s like entering a bright candy shop filled with nostalgia. From her bold, oil-based works that evoke childhood memories of sweets and toys to her passion for color, Sarah’s art reflects her love for vivid imagery and sheer joy. “My work is a vivid exploration of still life, using subjects that allow me to satisfy my obsession with color; and within them somehow communicate that elusive sense of sheer joy,” Sarah says, perfectly capturing the vibrant energy of her paintings.

Born in Hitchin in 1977, Sarah has been honing her craft for over two decades, creating stunning, hyper-realistic oil paintings. After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from De Montfort University in 2000, she’s never looked back. She began exhibiting her work in independent galleries and art fairs across the UK and abroad, building her career brick by brick. But it was in 2007, after signing with a major UK fine art publisher, that her art exploded onto the scene with limited edition prints and originals finding homes in private collections worldwide.

For Sarah, her art is more than just beautiful images. It’s about tapping into the feelings of nostalgia, joy, and wonder that her subjects evoke. From Chupa Chups and candy wrappers to vibrant marbles, her pieces celebrate the small but meaningful memories of childhood. “Imagery is often borrowed from childhood; sweet things, toys, stuff that might evoke a sense of wonderment, and ultimately nostalgia,” she shares.

One of her career highlights came in 2012 when British band Kaiser Chiefs commissioned her to paint the album cover of their singles collection, Souvenir. The project brought her unique style to a whole new audience, solidifying her reputation as an artist whose work resonates far beyond gallery walls.

The Technique Behind the Magic

Sarah’s creative process starts with a spark of inspiration, often leading her to her photography studio where she recreates what’s in her mind’s eye. She carefully captures her subjects with photography before scaling them up onto canvas by eye—each brushstroke meticulously building toward her vibrant and dynamic compositions. As she describes it, “It starts with a crazy idea, and then I take to my photography studio and try to recreate what’s in my head. From there, I simply print off the image, and scale up by eye onto the canvas.”

Her obsession with color and light gives her work an unmistakable glow, combining technical skill with a deep emotional connection. “I have a huge admiration for her awe-inspiring skills and mastery of her photorealism paintings. The sheer luminosity of her paintings, combining her skills, color, and composition, add to any subject matter she turns her hand to,” said actor and director Paddy Considine.

Beyond the Canvas: Mental Health Advocacy

Sarah’s journey as an artist hasn’t been without challenges. In recent years, she’s become a mental health advocate, openly sharing her experiences with bipolar disorder. Her story of resilience has resonated with many, and she uses her platform to speak about mental health in schools and organizations. Since 2019, Sarah has been in remission and offers hope to others battling mental health challenges, showing that success and a fulfilling life are possible even in the face of adversity.

In 2023, Sarah launched a project close to her heart called Samarivans, a charity initiative that raised an incredible £43,500 for the Samaritans—a mental health charity that helped her through difficult times. Through this project, Sarah sent out yellow campervan stencils to artists and celebrities, who added their personal touch to each piece, with the works being auctioned to raise funds. Her dedication to mental health advocacy earned her the Points of Light award from the Prime Minister in January 2024.

Looking Ahead

As she continues to create, Sarah’s work remains a fixture in schools and art collections worldwide, inspiring young artists with her vibrant vision. “You have to be prepared to make a lot of sacrifices, especially when starting out, but don’t give up,” Sarah advises future artists. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that art can not only bring joy to others but also be a lifeline through life’s challenges.