Sarah Terrill Gracious, creative, and inspirational

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“With each tear, there is a lesson…”

It was a splendid and enchanting event that combined the appreciation of visual arts with the sophistication of a formal celebration. It was a night of elegance, culture, and creativity that brought together artists, collectors, enthusiasts, and patrons of the arts.

On Saturday, September 23^rd, 2023, Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to BLUFFERS Restaurant & Event Centre. I must say, the choice of location set the tone for the entire evening. The Night of Abstracts Art Show & Gala Event was an extraordinary occasion that showcased the exceptional work of Sarah Terrill, a local, Guyanese born, self-taught abstract artist whose art pieces evoke emotions of hope, resilience, and transformation. With three collective showcases featuring 15 mesmerizing abstract art pieces, attendees were immersed in a world of artistic expression.

Guests were welcomed by Sarah’s amazing team. I had a chance to meet Rose Nixon (Sarah Terrill’s Marketing Manager), who instantly created an atmosphere of sophistication and anticipation. Attendees had the opportunity to mingle, discuss art, and get to know Sarah.

After a period of mingling and art appreciation, I sat down with other guests at beautifully decorated tables. A gourmet meal was served, accompanied by fine wines and cocktails, creating a sumptuous dining experience. The centerpiece of the show, of course, was the art itself. The room was adorned with a diverse range of Sarah’s artwork. The pieces on display often varied in style, medium, and subject matter, showcasing the talent and diversity of Ms. Terrill. Each piece was carefully curated and lit to accentuate its beauty.

Sarah greeted me warmly when I came into the room, and she remained present to discuss her creations, share her inspirations, and answer questions from the attendees. This personal interaction between Sarah and her guests was the highlight of the event.

Overall, The Night of Abstracts Art Show & Gala Event was a captivating fusion of creativity and sophistication, where art took center stage, and attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of beauty, culture, and inspiration. It was a celebration of artistic expression and a night to remember for all who attended.

I managed to sneak in some time to speak with Sarah, and what I learned from her is what made her a primary candidate for the Woman Empowered Feature.

“I was born in Georgetown, Guyana. I came to Canada with my grandparents when I was about six years old. My mom had received an opportunity to work in New York, and my grandmother told my mom to leave me with her. We would go back and forth to visit my mom in New York, but from an early age, most of my life was spent with my grandparents.

There was a lot of love in the house; growing up, kids would ask me where my mom was. I always had to explain that she was away at work, and I don’t think they got it, but it was okay. I had a great childhood; my grandmother was strict and loving. I was raised in Flemingdon Park and left there when I was 27 years old. I was a single mom at 18 years old, but I didn’t let that stop me. I went back to school in 1998, and I took an esthetician course. I realized that it was not where I wanted to be.

I met my husband when I was 24 years old, and we got married in 1996. It was not a good relationship; it was toxic and abusive. We had a daughter together, and it was a very hard time for me. It was during this time that I started painting in my basement. One of my friends came over and saw my work. She was like, “This is very good.”  I was shocked that she had found my work any good. I had always had this creative side to me, but life had deterred me a little. I realized at that moment that I had lost who I was during my life.”

“Sarah,” I asked. “What would you say was the genesis of your artistic evolution?”

“I remember the night clearly,” she recalls. “I was dealing with a lot of verbal abuse; I was told that I was nothing, and that I was going to amount to nothing. He had left to go away with his friends, and I had the house to myself. My release came that night. I was doing abstract, flower paintings. There was one painting that I did that had the silhouette of a woman, and she looked so sad.”

During my discussion with Sarah, I learned that abstract art does not attempt to depict the physical world or recognizable objects. Instead, it focuses on shapes, colors, lines, and forms that are divorced from direct representation. This departure from realism is a key feature that sets it apart from other forms of art.

“I see the designs in my head, but when I paint, it comes out differently,” Sarah shared with me.

Sarah’s art prioritizes the expression of emotions, ideas, or concepts over the depiction of physical objects. She uses color, form, and composition to convey feelings, moods, and abstract concepts, allowing for a more personal and subjective interpretation by viewers. I remember when I was looking at her work how actively engaged I was; I was able to use my imagination to interpret and derive meaning from them. This interactive aspect led to a more personal and subjective connection between myself and the artwork.

Sarah did her first art show in 2009. “It was a Sunday afternoon, and the feedback was so amazing.

In 2010, I left my husband and moved back in with my mom. I was in a whirlwind, and I turned to art again. I talked to my co-worker about doing a show, and I received such positive encouragement. I did it at Yonge and Eglington; we had a red carpet, photography, the works.  I sold 85% of my paintings that night. This is when I knew that I could do it. 2010 was when I said to myself, I can turn my artwork into a business. I have never looked back.

I was raised that you have to forgive; forgiveness is key. I forgave my ex-husband because it was him that brought the artist back out. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I am thankful.”

Sarah is dedicated to making a positive impact on her community; therefore, an integral part of the event was the fundraising initiative in which a portion of all art sales were donated to a local non-profit organization. Sarah has designated Julliette’s Place, a local shelter and refuge for abused women and children, as the benefactor of the proceeds.

Gracious, creative, inspirational; Sarah Terrill, I salute you!