Sloane Cabrera is a multi-media visual artist from the San Francisco Bay Area.
Do you remember the first time you ever created something?
I feel like I’ve been creating stuff since I can remember. My mom used to buy me art kits when I was around five years old, and I would spend hours drawing with them.
How did you get into painting? Or art in general?
I first started painting when I was around fourteen. My mom bought me a set of oil paints, not really having a clue what type of paint it was. I had no experience with them before, and had no clue how to use them or how they worked. I just learned from trial and error. I don’t really remember what got me into art in the first place. I have distinct memories of being around six or seven. People would ask what I wanted to be when I was older and I always said that I wanted to be an artist. It just stuck with me forever. I never grew out of it.
What are your mediums or supplies of choice? Anything you couldn't live without?
My medium of choice would definitely be oil painting. I’ve tried almost every other medium out there and nothing has ever compared to oil paint. It’s a one of a kind experience that can’t be replaced with anything else. I couldn’t live without a tube of Gamblin burnt umber. It is the best color ever. I use it in every single one of my paintings.
What do you think is the most important piece you've made so far?
I think one of the most important pieces I have made so far was of a little boy fishing in the ocean. It's one of my earliest paintings I’ve done. I didn’t have that much experience painting at the time, but I just remember having so much fun making it. I gave it to my dad after and it was the first time I’ve seen someone so happy to see one of my paintings. That feeling is what kept me painting all these years.
Do you have a go-to playlist for when you're working?
I love all types of music. I think some of the artists I listen to the most when I’m painting are Frank Ocean, Lana Del Ray and Surf Curse.
Do you have a favorite visual artist? If so, what drew you to them, and what do you take away from them?
I think one of my favorite visual artists is Jenny Saville. What drew me to her first is the way she handles paint, as well as her ability to paint people. The thing that I paint most is humans and I look to artists like Jenny Saville for motivation, hoping one day I can be as great as she is.
Where's the most surprising place you've gained inspiration from?
I don’t think that I have a surprising place I’ve gained inspiration from. I get inspiration from everywhere around me. I see the way the sunlight is hitting the trees and I’m inspired by that or sometimes I hear a song and that inspires me to create. I try to be inspired by everything that i'm surrounded by.
What's the most important piece of advice you've gotten about creating art?
The most important piece of advice I’ve gotten about creating art is “Don’t take art so seriously that it’s no longer fun for you.”
Do you have any hidden talents or interests aside from painting?
I love to bake. If I’m not painting or drawing, I’m probably in the kitchen baking. My friends and family are my testers; their homes are always stocked with things I’m making.
Lastly, is there anything else you'd like us to know?
I feel like I wouldn’t be where I am today without having such an amazing support group around me. I just feel so lucky to be surrounded by people who support me and my journey as an artist.
Find Sloane here.
Words by Carly.
