Painting | Utah Artists - W

Sadie Willey

Sadie Willey graduated from the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drawing and Painting in 2019. Her emphasis was the study and creation of religious works. During her BFA Highlights, five of her paintings were exhibited in the Tippets and Eccles Gallery of the Chase Fine Arts Center in Logan, Utah. She was a finalist in the 12th International Art Competition of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2021. She is employed as a Freelance Artist for Rebecca Wood Designs, a hand-painted needlepoint company, and as an Irish step dancing Teacher and Choreographer for the Allegro Dance Studio in Logan, Utah.

ARTIST STATEMENT
During my university studies and artistic development in the Caine College of the Arts, I took many courses related to the exploration and symbolism of religious artwork – through the centuries and across the world. Each religion, with its own unique artistic styles and symbols, being distinguishable from other religions. For example, Catholic art in a Gothic cathedral, Islamic art in a mosque, and Jewish art in a synagogue. Each artist within these religions expressing both their personal and communal beliefs, traditions, and cultures – while sharing some commonalities with other religions (ie: The Tree of Life). I found new appreciation and understanding of all religious art forms. Thus, I chose to create and produce a religious series of paintings for my own Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition. My goal has been to create and produce religious art that, at first glance, would appear to represent no singular religion, no religious theme, and no particular belief system. The belief or “primary focal point” depicted would appear small or secondary in relation to the bigger or primary picture that I want to be viewed and interpreted. Through this artistic approach, my intent is to enable anyone to view my religious representations – without disdain, offense, prejudice or feeling detached because they don’t understand it’s meaning. My profound motivation is to create art that is relatable and enjoyable to both religious and non-religious viewers – based on their individual belief systems, perspectives, and interpretations.Acrylic on canvas is my medium of choice, using fine detail and bold, rich colors.

 

IMAGES

Sadie Willey, “The mountains were covered,” 2019, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 36 in.

 

Sadie Willey, “Let there be light,” 2019, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 36 in.

 

Sadie Willey, “Let my people go,” 2019, acrylic on canvas, 12 x 36 in.

 

Sadie Willey, “Ball of curious workmanship,” 2019, acrylic on canvas, 18 x 24 in.

 

Sadie Willey, “The witnesses,” 2019, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 48 in.

 

Sadie Willey, “He inviteth them all,” 2021, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 48 in.

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