Artist Sarah Truman Brings Unique Island Culture to Art Through Henna |
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(Pictured: Sarah Truman) About Sarah Truman:
Recent graduate of SPI's Art Business Incubator (ABI), Sarah Truman is a local artist who grew up in Los Fresnos and currently lives in Port Isabel. Having been artistic growing up and taking art as an elective in school, art was naturally a part of Truman's life, "I was always artistic growing up, took art in school, and I would be sketching all the time," says Truman.
Her art started to take form when she began experimenting with Hennas (pronounced 'hina'). "I had gotten more into art by doing Hennas and I became obsessed with doing Hennas," shown in her art style and technique. Hennas are temporary tattoos known for their intricate detail. |
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| | History of Henna's: Henna is a plant from which a paste from the crushed dried leaves provided natural cooling properties. Since henna leaves a stain, it led to decorative ideas.
Henna's origin goes back 5000 years in Pakistan, India, Africa, and the Middle East, but is found in many cultures today.
Truman eventually went from working at Peggy's Tattoo shop on the Island to cultivating Island culture through colorful waves that intricately resemble hennas. "I worked at Peggy's Tattoo shop doing hennas. Then I got into painting." |
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Truman is also one of the many applicants for the Sand Dollars for Success (sponsored by the EDC) to help start her own business. "I heard about Sand Dollars when I first started a year ago. "
Truman explained that she planned to apply for the startup grant ($10,000) versus the $25,000 grant existing businesses can use and open up her Bakery Café. "ABI was building us to be able to open our own business, which is the whole idea of what an incubator is. A part of the program is creating your own business plans that you submit to be reviewed by the Board of Directors before your exit interview," said Truman. |
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Inspired by her mother, Truman is no stranger to the baking world. It's been a part of her life. "I visited France with my boyfriend back in 2018. Being an artist, I've always been drawn to the visual appeal of pastries. After that trip, I spent all my days off baking different desserts (macrons, tarts, cakes)."
Just before the start at ABI, Truman spent a majority of a trip around New Zealand visiting multiple different cafés that sparked her interest in starting her own. "That trip really sparked my interest in starting my own cafe and offering quality products like the ones I loved and inspired me in my travels. I love the atmosphere that comes with baking. The aroma always gives me a nostalgic, comfortable feeling of home while baking, surrounded by my family."
Truman would use her grant money to open her own business that would offer coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and an atmosphere for people who like art. "And on the weekends, The Bakery Café would have art classes," leading to more creative opportunities for island residents and children. Truman currently works at Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill, and her artwork can be found on her online Etsy account. (See Artwork below) |
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(In order from left to right: Seashell magnet art, Parrot magnet art, acrylic on canvas, acrylic on canvas) |
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