ABOUT THE ARTIST

Sara Strandquist is a mixed media textile artist who likes incorporating different materials to create her artwork.

Her work involves creating painted patchwork, quilt panes, acrylic paintings, paper paintings, along with artists books.

She is a very talented versatile artist.

Recently discovering that she is Neurodivergent.

Art to her is a way of stimming as the process is very soothing to her.

A big motivator behind her art is being able to create love. 

What does Denim mean to you?

"Denim means fear". Diving into the mixed feelings denim brings to her, Sara states how as a teenager she struggled with finding jeans that would fit.

The intimidation that jeans can often bring.

Also highlighting how throughout the years her idea of denim has transformed, seeing it from a different perspective.

"Denim is an opportunity to me, to communicate a message of self-love, transformation of love from something that has been riddled with pain and shame and drama. Love and peace". 

What are you thinking when you create art?

Sara describes the process of emotions she goes through while working on her art.

Ranging from self-doubt to reassurance. Comparing her creative process to that of a butterfly, unfolding with time.

Stating that she lives by the idea of "cut it apart and put it back together". 

“It is not destructive; it is not destroying the thing to dismember it.
It's taking it apart to its component pieces keeping what you love and then putting it back together new, in a new way to make a better fit to make something more joyous.” 

What is the title of your art?

Bodysattva. 

What medium did you use?

Denim, Needle and Thread

What's the inspiration behind your Kancan X Artists project?

Sara states that her main inspiration in creating this beautiful butterfly denim cape is the idea of transformation and the peace within as growth happens.
To emphasize that we don't have to be perfect to be beautiful.