In the latest episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) welcomes back Sari Shryack, known as @not_sorry_art on Instagram. Sari shares her journey and insights from her new book, Modern Still Life From Fruit Bowls to Disco Balls. This episode delves into the importance of making art education accessible, growing up below the poverty line and choosing to pursue an art career, overcoming creative challenges, and finding inspiration in the everyday.

Sari Shryack is an oil and acrylic painter based out of Austin, Texas. Her colorful works cover many different subjects and techniques including landscape, still life, portraits, disco balls and even memes.

Highlights:

Sari’s New Book: Sari discusses her new book, Modern Still Life From Fruit Bowls to Disco Balls, an instructional guide designed for artists of all levels. The book is filled with step-by-step instructions, encouragement, and practical tips to help artists develop their skills and find their unique style.

Journey to Publication: Sari shares the story of how her book came to be, highlighting the importance of patience, kindness, and continuous learning. From gaining traction on social media to receiving a proposal from the publisher, her journey is both inspiring and educational.

The Value of Art Education: Addressing common misconceptions about artistic talent, Sari emphasizes the importance of making art education accessible to everyone. She believes that anyone can learn to create art with the right guidance and resources.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated: Sari offers tips on maintaining self-respect and pushing through "ugly paintings" to stay consistent in your art practice. She encourages artists to embrace the learning process and not to be discouraged by initial failures.

Managing Multiple Interests: For artists with diverse creative interests, Sari provides strategies for balancing various projects while maintaining a consistent art practice. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between exploration and dedication to a single medium.

Navigating Economic Insecurity: Sari shares personal stories of overcoming economic hardships and pursuing a career in the arts. Her experiences provide valuable insights and inspiration for artists facing similar challenges.

Encouraging Self-Belief and Continuous Learning: Sari stresses the importance of self-belief, continuous learning, and applying creativity to the business side of art. She encourages artists to see themselves as problem-solvers and to approach their art careers with the same creativity they bring to their work.

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