Sarah Stockstill

“I am interested in the spaces in between things. The light next to the spotlight just before the dark and the vastness of the seam where the sky meets the ocean. Growing up in the flatness of the desert, I became a sensitive observer of these less obvious beauties and find solace in discovering, exploring, and ultimately celebrating them through painting.”

Sarah Stockstill is an established artist living and working in Costa Mesa, California. Originally from outside Phoenix, she creates large-scale abstracts in a vivid, organic style. Throughout her process, materials accumulate- layers of charcoal, tar, and oil give way to scale-thin mica and diamond dust (seen in works such as the Untitled series). Because she has cultivated her palette and technique over 25 years, the moods of Sarah’s pieces range seamlessly from ethereal and dreamy to bold and electric. Whether capturing the vastness of an open sky, celebrating the lushness of a wild garden, or offering a vignette of city life, Sarah’s paintings infallibly evoke a sense of place. 

In 1996, while looking for a job as a photographer- and with no painting experience- Sarah took the risk to become a painter’s assistant at Phoenix Art Group. There she learned about print work, gained professional experience working with designers, and found a friend and mentor in John Cline. Swept up with the medium, she would paint after hours while raising a one-year-old daughter and four-year-old son. In 2003 she moved to Los Angeles, where much of her work was being dealt. There she continued her prolific studio practice, and worked with galleries, designers, and art consultants.

Over the years, she has developed countless friendships with other artists, often taking on a mentorship role. Passionate about helping other artists expand their creative practices and reach their own professional goals, Sarah continues to share her connections and the business wisdom she’s gained.