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Sabina Espinet
Sabina Espinet is an artist living and working in Colorado.
Born in Barranquilla, Colombia from Trinidadian parents, she never felt like she belonged to any one culture in particular.
By the age of eleven Sabina had lived in and visited many countries throughout South America and eventually moved to the United States.
This early transient lifestyle impressed upon her an appreciation for different cultures and a love of travel.
She is influenced by folk art, sculpture and textiles from around the world, as well as the works of Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali and Van Gogh to name a few. In addition, Sabina has a great love of modern art and also of mythic imagery, so her inspirations come from far and wide.
Sabina obtained her B.S. in Fine Arts/Painting from the University of South Florida in 1994.
After spending her adult life in the state of Florida, she relocated along with her husband and two children to Colorado.
Her work tends to be simple and monochromatic with the common thread being our connection to the divine-- whether it be through love, motherhood, nature, self exploration or art itself in any form.
I find that being an artist is a unique experience for each of us and I would like to know how you experience being an artist.
I feel that it is a great honor to be an artist and I consider myself a channel for images that come through me. I paint what I feel and hope that my work evokes some feeling in the viewer.
Why are you an artist,and why did you deiced to become an artist? I don't think I really had a choice, though I strayed from the path and considered other things at different points in my life. Painting is what makes me the happiest and most fulfilled.
My family used to ask me why almost all the people in my paintings are nude.
What are some specific artist traits that you have in your paintings and why? Almost all of my paintings use very bright color palettes. I am drawn to vibrant colors and I think that color can evoke feelings in a way that nothing else can.
What famous artists have influenced you/muses/mentors do you have and why ? Primarily Frieda Kahlo. I have a deep connection to her work and I also can relate to her lack of formal training. Though I do have a painting degree, my technical skills/style are not photorealistic and I concentrate more on movement and feeling. Also Van Gogh's color palettes and folk art.
What inspires you to create art? What do you do to keep motivated when your inspiration runs low? Everything inspires me! I think a good exercise for when an artist is feeling depleted is just spending an hour online browsing images. Start with one thing and you will be surprised at how fast you get sketching and flooded with ideas.
How do you handle the business side of your art? Do you have a personal webiste/blog ? Like the majority of artists I have met, promoting myself is the hardest part. But, I have gotten much better over the years at putting myself out there and it is a work in progress. My website is http://sabinaespinet.com and my blog is http://sabinaespinet.blogspot.com
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I'd love to have a great studio space and possibly a gallery.
What advise to you give to other artists? As hard as it is, you have to focus on your art first and not making money. The money will come after.
What is your favorite thing to paint? Wow ... I can't choose one!
Why do you love art? It is my personal connection to God. Art makes me a better person just by the experience of it.
How do you feel spirituality is connected with Art? I guess I have sort of touched on that a bit in other questions, but I think that to truly open yourself up to a piece of art is to connect with The Divine. I always say that for me, going to a museum is like being in church. I feel a sense of deep reverence and peace and I am totally present and in the moment.
