Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Rangel.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Art is responsible for my success as well as my failure. After graduating with a BA in Art in December 2011, I dreamed of “making it” as a full-time ceramicist in New York City. I imagined myself skyrocketing to fame in the art world -I would be featured in Frieze Magazine, have solo exhibits at Gagosian, and sell my work for millions of dollars at Sotheby’s. I saw myself redefining the art world, and I imagined myself attending all of the exclusive high-end art parties. Together, my ceramics and I would assemble new ideas that would more or less thematize a new generation of artistic change!
Unfortunately, my desire for this Utopia was met with many complications -not only did I need more financial means to relocate to New York, but it was also time to pay off my student loans. The sales of my work were minimal, and no local gallery was interested in offering any representation. Because I fled when confronted with the fear of disaster, I began to lack the aspiration it took to succeed artistically. I knew that one of the keys to understanding art was understanding its function in different social and economic situations. Still, I became frustrated that I could no longer apply this to my work. I took the only job that would hire me quickly as a financial specialist at a local credit union, where I defeatedly and monotonously learned the constructs of finance.
I was preparing to give up on art entirely when I serendipitously met a prominent local San Antonio artist who was to become my mentor and art confidant. She encouraged me to use my financial background to my advantage -through her guidance. I realized that art also functioned as a business that catered to different trends in different situations. I began to understand that being a successful artist means successfully running a business to gain financial power. One of the primary functions of art finds itself forthright with a globalization of vision for the benefit of capital. In addition, I realized that the art market operates on the production, criticism, purchase, and sale of art. I began to research different business accounts and am proud to say that I am currently working on acquiring my DBA as Sarah Rangel Art. I now have my work for sale at Curator Coffee, a local coffee shop and ceramic storefront in San Antonio, TX.
I also began to explore art in the form of music and formed a band called Sage Palomino. This musical journey and art career, as well as the constant evolution of art itself, is a series of accomplishments, successes, losses, and rejections. Our music can be focused on Spotify and most major streaming platforms! But what is art without rejection? Instead of letting rejection define me, I let it fuel my optimism to keep creating and showing art.
Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Art is not only an experience; it’s also a business. It’s never a smooth road! Distinguishing the art world from the art industry while encouraging autonomy is difficult for me. Never hearing back from your local gallery or music venue when asking for support is also difficult, not to mention the internet and its impact on art! Many art markets are now virtual, leading to new approaches in fine art shopping.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do?
I’m a ceramicist. I specialize in hand-building small, colorful, abstract forms that serve as decorative pieces. Recently I have branched out into making more functional pieces such as catch-all bowls and small cups. I am a printmaker as well and am proficient in the intaglio process. In my band, I sing and play the tambourine. We have a pretty unique and folky sound, and I call us “the little band that could.” We’ve been lucky enough to have the resources to record and share our music on different musical platforms. I am grateful to have a creative outlet that allows me to express myself musically.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
San Antonio is my home. I have my qualms with the art scene and music industry, but discussing it here may get me into trouble!
Contact Info:
- Website: sarahrangel.com
- Instagram: @sarahrangelart
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5mmnMSC0kh9Fgc6nASgKvf?si=s5KA2KqwS_-3lzg1z6OPmg
Image Credits
Louie Preciado (art images)
