Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Baumann
Hi Sara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story started out as a little girl who was absolutely head over heels passionate about art. As a first generation Iranian-American, I was certainly steered by my mom to enter the world of healthcare, engineering, or law. I ended up delving down the path of healthcare and received my Master’s Degree in occupational therapy. Regardless, I always was itching to create art. Through my masters degree and into my healthcare career I continued to create artwork. I created commissioned works, original paintings, and actually received a lot of interest in my painted cowskulls.
Fast forward to 2021, my husband started delving into the world of digital collectibles and blockchain technology and recognized the value add it provided to artists. First for the royalties in perpetuity, but also the value of introducing ourselves to a new community and having our artwork on the blockchain. It took me a while to really research it, but once I started I was quite fascinated. Come mid-2021 entrepreneur and businessman Gary Vaynerchuk purchased 3 of my Women and Weapons artworks (A collection of artworks meant to be the commentary on the perception of women during the midcentury era that symbolically and metaphorically celebrates the weapons women possess), that became the catalyst for my transition from full-time Occupational Therapist and part time artist to full-time artist, something I had dreamed of my entire life.
Shortly thereafter my artworks were purchased by the likes of Brie Larson, Sia, Timmy Trumpet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lisa Bilyeu, Tom Colicchio and more. One thing I have always known is that I wanted to make the world a better place than it was when I entered it. Through these art sales, my husband, myself, and our collector community were able to donate over 170,000 USD to The Malala Fund, because we firmly believe an education can be a girl or a woman’s weapon. I have also had the blessing of working with incredible brands like Instagram, Mastercard, Coinbase, Tinder, and more! I have also spoken at incredible events like Brilliant Minds in Sweden, SXSW, VeeCon, and more.
Today I continue to operate our Women and Weapons brand, empowering women and fostering strong global relationships in addition to focusing on my independent art career. I am currently nearing the completion of my 5 piece Heritage collection (one of my most powerful collections yet) that shines a light on the bravery, grace, resilience, and strength of the Iranian women who have been fighting for the freedom since 1979.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think any path will have twists and turns. Often times those difficult times are what teach us the most. I don’t necessarily perceive any of what I have experienced as a struggle, but rather a learning opportunity.
The greatest struggle was truly the climb to becoming a full-time artist. I genuinely had to hustle and work my tail off to gain awareness for my artwork. The word no became incredibly common to hear, but I learned that that can either defeat you or light a fire for you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself to be a diverse artist. I find that I am constantly curious and always wanting to challenge myself. Initially I was most well-known for my painted cow skulls, but today I am most known for my portrait work, both digital and acrylic and my pattern designs.
In regards to what I am most proud of, I would say my Heritage collection. It is a way for me to celebrate my culture, to acknowledge the women of Iran who have been fighting so hard for their freedoms, and an opportunity for me to open a dialogue with others about what the culture, history, and people that I love so much are truly about.
I think what sets me apart from others is my unique perspective coming from both an American / Texan background, but also an Iranian background. I often incorporate aspects of both cultures into my work, which I think makes it quite unique.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I think I would say, get comfortable with the word ‘no’, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and be a go getter. I think so often when we’re just starting out we are very hopeful that someone will discover us, but truly it is so important to reach out and seek opportunities for yourself. That can be through cold email outreach, networking, and producing quality content of your work.
Pricing:
- My Heritage collection works start at $9000
- Commissioned works start around $1,000 dependent on size and complexity
- Smaller goods start around $30
- Prints start at $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarabaumann.art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarasbaumann
- Twitter: https://x.com/sarasbaumann
Image Credits
Headshot with white background by Alec Lizanetz
