YabYum Seven: Sarah Kriehn

photo by Edward Jensen

1. Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Sarah Kriehn (Crain). While I call myself a printmaker, my art work does not include multiples. I merge the fields of printmaking and painting to create original one-of-a-kind, hand-pulled abstract prints. I am also an arts advocate and am currently serving on the Phoenix Arts Commission.

2. How did you get your start?

After retiring from teaching art, I took a printmaking workshop and realized I could combine techniques to create unique one of a kind works on paper. This was the beginning of my fascination with printmaking. I received a ‘Professional Development Grant’ from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and the Phoenix Arts Commission, which enabled me to receive intensive instruction and mentoring. After several successful art exhibits, I built my own studio, bought my own etching press and framing equipment.

3. What inspires you?

My abstract mono-prints and collagraphs depict my reaction to experiences and emotions resulting from particular events and locations. I feel we not only need to see ourselves reflected as people, but also see moments in time and emotions interpreted.
I also strive to bring an awareness to printmaking as an original art form.

“Day 5”

4. What do you like about AZ?

As an Arizona native, I appreciate Arizona’s diversity and wide open spaces.

5. Where can we see you(r) work?

Currently I have work in the “Southwest Invitational”, which is a traveling show of southwestern artists. The exhibit is at the West Valley HQ now. It will travel to three other art centers and museums around the state and end up at the Sky Harbor Airport Museum in 2016.

I exhibit at numerous types of public locations including museums, galleries and professional offices. My work has also been seen at a post office, airport, medical school, hospital, and botanical gardens.

I am preparing for a museum show in Los Angeles, which will be at LA Artcore in January.

My work can be seen on my website here and I am always happy to have people come for a visit to my studio.

6. What would you like to accomplish before you die?

Make original art accessible to a wide range of people.
7. What is your mantra?

“Live each day as if it were your last”.

A favorite quote, which hangs in my studio is, “we cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails”.

The Plan

Eye in the Sky

Orange Fence

Signs & Signals