At
the turn of the new millennium, I found myself frequenting art-based warehouse
parties for an encompassing, transformative experience. In 2001, I got involved
with creating art installations for large Brooklyn warehouse parties. In 2003,
I attended my first Burning Man. These experiences primed me-- someone who has
a generally deep belief that things should be built to last-- for a life that revolves
around creating ephemeral art; something beautiful that lasts for one month,
one week, one night, or a one of a kind piece of jewelry that will last for
years to come- but I will never see it again. I became dedicated to documenting
the finished art pieces as well as the production process that transpired. For
myself, the production that happens behind the scenes is the true magic- the
alchemy, the circus tricks. I love it! Aside from some small cuts, burns, and
the trail of glitter I leave behind, in the end the photograph is usually all I
have left. This notion of ephemeral art is apart of what inspires me to create
this blog, to give an extended life to the work that I do and pay tribute to
the artists that I love. With the exception of my jewelry and costumes, all of
the art showcased here is created as a result of dedicated collaborative
efforts. It brings me great pleasure to share a glimpse into this unique world
that is my chosen life path. It is a way for me to share what happens during
those times when I am literally or emotionally sequestered finishing a large
project, and my friends and family do not see me for months on end. It is also
something I can share with my friends around the world who can’t just hop on
the subway to go see what I’m working on. Hopefully this medium will also help
me to inspire people to do what they love, and to connect with more people who
want to help make the world a sparklier place ;)
Back in 2005 while managing a fashion and
accessories boutique in Williamsburg, I was looking for extra work to help pay
the bills. My friend David said “Sparkles, do you know that you can get paid to
put sparkles on things?” “REALLY?!!!...” He put me in touch with the holiday
windows production manager at Bergdorf Goodman… and the rest is history. For
the past 7 years I have been working on the freelance visual team that executes
a large portion of the year-round production and installation for the
illustrious Bergdorf Goodman windows. While working at Bergdorf I met designer
Douglas Little and immediately felt kindred with his glamorous, macabre
aesthetic. I am always very excited to work on his projects. As a production
artist I am committed to working with designers and event producers who’s
aesthetic I love- and take great pride and passion into seeing the vision into
fruition. Otherwise I prefer to spend my time working on my own jewelry line
and accessory designs. I am also in the final stages of producing a photography
book on 21st century art-based protests and creative alternative
subcultures. The more awesome art jobs that come in, the longer it has taken me
to finish the book. But it is worth it to me to fund and produce this book
myself; to have total creative and business freedom, to actively work within a
DYI paradigm that the book so heavily promotes. (My book is going to be
affordably printed in the USA, not China!!) So the ongoing story of my creative
work life is one that spans the underground, grassroots, avant-garde, to the
world of high-end production arts. For me there is really nothing else in
between. And that’s how I like it- the best of both worlds. Full on.
So without further ado I bring you the Sarah
Sparkles Art Adventures and Inspiration Diary. It will be a place where I
showcase my most current creative projects, share some of my favorite
blinged-out jobs of sparkle past, introduce amazing artists and designers that
I have the pleasure of working with, and at times give a sneak peak into my
world of unique cultural explorations. To get the party started, I have posted
my last 3 months of art jobs and creative projects including: Bergdorf Goodman
holidays windows, Van Cleef and Arpels holiday decor, events at the Waldorf and
the Plaza, underground NYC nightlife and much more! Feel free to share this
with others who will enjoy it. Wishing you all the best!!
XO Sarah Sparkles
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