Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Janke.
Sarah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I left my parents to venture out into the world alone, my white privilege was stripped. While my racial background is not white, I was raised by white parents who had two biological children. Being raised this way afforded me the comfort and ability to pass through life with little to no danger of being hurt, being granted permission to be anywhere I wanted, never shut out because of my color. I still have access to many of those things because I am still my parents’ daughter. I am, however, increasingly aware of the color of skin and how I am perceived in the context of being on my own, a single, bi/asexual artist.
I also learned of my membership in a club of other people of color that I didn’t know I belonged, small and yet furiously protective of its members. A language of nods, shrugs, and eye to eye glances are a part of the language of the club, our nonverbal communication that validates our presence in a white world. Much of the work this group does involves teaching and explaining why we exist as a unit separate from the world of white people. Ultimately I hope that this group would not have to exist if we were afforded the same rights as white people.
Escapism has always been appealing to me. When I feel like I don’t belong I imagine what could be; a different version of myself, different person, or an altogether a different species. I often have wanted to be a whale or an otter. These animals are mammals, which in some sense is not a massive stretch from my existence as a mammal, but the urge to be an aquatic species is part of my escapist mindset. My aquatic desires stem from my imaginative bend to exist in alternative spaces. They are stemming back from when I would create alternate universes using primarily cardboard remainders of paper towel rolls. These moments happen now with more beautiful, more fully realized adult tools, but still, reflect my childlike imagination.
Has it been a smooth road?
My family was missionaries to Romania. I am a bit ashamed to say it; I did not enjoy living in Romania; it wasn’t something I felt I had a choice in doing. As I have grown older, I have developed a passion for travel and the desire to live in new places. It’s because of my parent’s moving us aborad; we were afforded the luxury of living in proximity to other countries. During that time, I also went to boarding school, which brought on a whole new set of issues. It was tough, do to a learning disability. It was not until I started making art and studying art in Italy that I saw my disability, not as a hindrance but a lense that was unique to me and my way of making. It was also in Grad school that allowed me the chance to figure out how to study and write better, more thoughtful papers because the subject matter was so important to me.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Copy & Paste – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Copy & Paste is a surface design company specializing in reusable products of seamless patterns, called repeats. These repeats are created in house by a lead designer. The repeats are purchasable files that the user imprints on their space. The repeats will be available on several surfaces. The aim is to create objects that require a minimal amount of installation, such as reusable wallpaper, vinyl, acrylics, and fabrics which are all removable and reusable. Another attribute of the products is the digitally created patterns which work either together or separately, enabling the client to purchase one or many. As of now Copy & Paste deals many in yardage, wallpaper, gift wrap, and a handful of household items.
My audience might be a renter, someone living in dorms or subletting, but who wants to change the look of their space quickly. I want people to think of the word “belong” when they buy from Copy & Paste. Copy & Paste is advocating that belonging happens when the city dweller gets to put their taste in their living space. Whether this person is renting long term or short term, they should afford self-expression.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The friends I have made make the city of Dallas worth it for me. Since most of my friends are transplants, I think that aspect is exciting about Dallas. It adds to the culture. I am enamored with the food and restaurants in Dallas. The variety of art that the museums host.
Pricing:
- Yardage (42″ width) from Spoonflower starting at $15.75, https://www.spoonflower.com/designs
- Home Decor from Roostery, https://roostery.com/e/mydesigns
- Custom orders via my website, https://www.sarahjanke.com/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahjanke.com/
- Phone: (469) 387-7602
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahljanke/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-janke-surface-designer/
Image Credit:
Spoonflower and Roostery
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