Sarah Petite

When we were Foragers - 2023, 18" x 35", Encaustic on Wood, $2000

“First I cut a shape from the plywood, then, jigsaw in hand, cut into the shape, making a graceful line that sometimes even connects and drops a piece to the floor. This shape and this line become the beginning, not to be erased or forgotten; the foundation.  The rest of the painting, figures, gestures and shapes that have become part of my own repertoire, must deal with this thing that they cannot change. 

My theme is the workings of human will, and in my practice I study what causes me to make the next move. Rules come from within or without, but they can’t be ignored, they are part of us. When and why do we obey or disobey, argue, negotiate, cheat, or finally agree and accept? First the sawn line, then each succeeding mark (of brush, scraper, knife or heat gun), forces decisions, grand or miniscule.  The progression becomes like a piece of theatre, each spoken phrase changing the thing itself while cueing the next phrase, in a march to the finale.”

Sarah Petite maintains two studios; winter in Fredericton, New Brunswick, summer in Southwest Nova Scotia. Her works reside in several private and public collections.