Sarah Hand is a Virginia-based illustrator, painter, papier-mache artist, and author of Art-Makers: Papier Mache from Walter Foster Publishing. As you’ll see in her book, Sarah loves bright vintage colors and folk art, and is inspired by color and her curiosity about the world. We asked Sarah a few question about her artistic process.

Quarto Creates: How did you first become interested in papier mache?

Sarah Hand: Years ago, I was teaching a puppet making camp for kids. We made all kinds of puppets out of lots of materials. I thought it’d be fun to do a simple papier mache head puppet with a cloth body, so I re-learned how to do papier mache, as I hadn’t done it since I was a child! I ended up really enjoying the process and started exploring the medium, branching out to sculptures, dolls, wall art… There’s a lot to do with papier mache and I am happy to keep on learning!

QC: What is the biggest challenge you face while working on an art project?

SH: One of my biggest challenges with papier mache in particular is the painting stage. I change my mind a million times and tend to paint over things until something clicks. I’d like to say I’ve gotten more decisive over time, but I just have to try out colors until my eye is satisfied! Fortunately, I love layers and layers of paint, and I think that even the colors I decided to paint over still peek through and add depth and interest to the overall piece! At least that’s what I tell myself!

QC: Where do you find inspiration for your creations?

SH: My sketchbook is the place I go to first when starting a project. I try to have a pretty regular drawing practice because it helps keep my ideas flowing. So when I feel like making a sculpture, I’ll pore over the pages of my sketchbooks, looking for a creature or character to catch my eye and inspire me!

QC: What artists and crafters do you look to for inspiration?

SH: My inspiration could fill its own book! For papier mache, I adore the wacky, weird, and wonderful sculptures of my friend Heather Rothnie and the ingenuity and richly textured work of my friend Renee Parker.
More generally, I adore Nathalie Lete, Kathy Ruttenberg, and Mystele Kirkeeng. Continual color inspiration comes from mid-century illustrators – Roger Duvoisin, Bernice Meyers, Alice and Martin Provensen, Mary Blair….The list goes on and on!

QC: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from creating?

SH: Trust the process! Making art is like a little journey – there are highs and lows, side trips, and stall outs. Knowing that if I just keep going, one step at a time, I’ll get there! Not giving up during the tough parts. It’s hard but so worth it!

Learn more about Sarah’s work sarah-hand.com and follow her on Instagram @sarah.hand_art.and.wonder. Be sure to get your copy of Art Makers: Papier Mache!