It’s always inspiring to me to learn about how people realize their calling. For artist Sarah Hillock, it came unexpectedly.  Traveling on a break from studies in figurative painting and drawing at OCAD University, Sarah was hiking through a field when she found herself greeted by the warm and intelligent affections of a herd of cows pressing against the fence, each one competing for her attention.

The encounter flooded Sarah with the memories and emotions of an early childhood spent in the adoring presence of just such creatures on her family farm in rural Ontario. At once her life history, passion and talent collided to form the future direction Hillock’s body of work. Sarah returned from the trip and painted her first bovine portrait. Hillock hasn’t looked back since.

I will confess that I am not commonly drawn to the subject matter of farm animals in fine art, but Sarah’s paintings feel more figurative than farm animal to me. Each creature is depicted with such personality and engagement that I find myself drawn in unexpectedly and entirely. With each piece, there is something in the eyes that speaks of a dialogue between creature and girl, and I feel transported into Sarah’s story as I drink that in. I was truly moved when I saw Sarah’s work for the first time – in fact, it stopped me short in the midst of a fast-paced walk. I found myself immediately engaged with her passion for rural life and the beauty of the creatures she honours in her work.

An avid traveller, Sarah now chooses her subjects from fields and farms all over the world. Hillock’s work has been included in collections and exhibitions all across Canada, and she is currently working on an upcoming exhibition with DeLuca Gallery in Toronto.

Wishing you an inspired Monday, where at least one moment of unexpected beauty will stop you short and make you linger.

xo
s.