BOWS & ARROWS

Our February art exhibition at Bows and Arrows, Permabond,  features the works of Sarah Scherer and Liz Donner.  Sarah and Liz have been friends for over fifteen years. This isn’t their first collaboration and it won’t be their last. Both natives of Sacramento, they have been crafting art in public and private spaces since they met.

 While living in San Francisco, Sarah received a BFA in painting and drawing from California College of Arts. During this time, Liz was branching out into Sacramento’s art scene. You may have visited Fools Foundation, Liz’s gallery and music venue, had your hair done by Sarah at Honey Salon, or seen their band Screature play around town. Liz and Sarah dabble in various mediums and collage is just one of many outlets for these two.

I was able to ask Sarah some questions regarding her past, artwork, and philosophies on art.

I loved art school, I never wanted to leave. It’s nice to have that focus and complete dedication to your work-the outside world has too many distractions. In my opinion, one can never learn enough and my education gave me a great foundation to build on.

What are your favorite past art movements / genres? and how do they relate to the contemporary art scene?

German Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism and the figurative painters of the early 20th century. It’s hard to speculate on the current scene because history is still writing itself but people still feel…don’t they?

 

Who are some of your favorite current artists?

Wangechi Mutu and Kiki Smith.

Do you remember the first time you did a collaborative piece of art or show? What was that process like and how did it go?

I have always loved the spontaneity of working with others, it forces you to think outside of the box. My recent collaborations seem to be the most exciting thus far. Playing music definitely takes me out of my comfort zone but the process is proving to be a lot of fun. I am also working on a collaboration with Christopher Orr combining his photography and my drawings. I don’t know where it’s taking us but I’m captivated.

If you could enter into another artists mind and body (John Malkovich style) for one day, who would it be and why?

Egon Schiele. I’d love to draw with those elongated fingers for a day.

Mother Nature. Nobody does color and pattern quite like her. I’m also inspired by the Victorian mourning artists. Their detail and level of craft is amazing. I love a good keepsake.

 Describe the best meal you’ve ever had.

Burma Superstar in San Francisco. Their fiery chicken and tofu is to die for and their tea leaf salad is a unique blend of flavors and textures.

I asked Liz some questions as well.

Your collages conjure nostalgia and sentimental feelings, do you connect memories and past experiences to the process of creation when making art?

I am mostly obsessed with color and shapes. I use 70s printed material strictly because of my positive reaction to the color saturations in the photos. They do remind me of my childhood, but I don’t have any emotional reasoning for using the 70s look.

I wish I could give you more detail on this one, but I am actually very uneducated when it comes to movements and genres. I pretty much love everything and feel like everything from the past is in the future and vice versa.

 

Who are some of your favorite current artists?

I’d go with Albrecht Dürer. I’d love to experience a time totally different from the way we live now.

I gained a lot of inspiration from Gandhi after reading his autobiography. He taught me many things about persistence, determination and the search for truth. I’m also very interested in the work of Aleister Crowley, Robert Anton Wilson and Alan Watts. All of them have given me a lot to think about! And of course, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who has given me a lot to not think about. Hahaha.

This is funny considering what you asked Sarah. I would give up my sense of taste. Eating is not so important to me.

Permabond will be on view in the Bows Gallery from February 3 – 29, with a free reception Friday, February 3 from 6 – 9 PM. Be sure to check it out!