Hey there! I'm Sara, the artist and creator behind Swil Arts. I specialize in capturing life’s vibrant moments through watercolor and ink. My shop offers both original paintings and high-quality art prints to add a unique touch to your space.
For individual clients, I create custom artwork that celebrates meaningful moments and places. Whether it's a wedding art, a cherished house portrait, or a personal gift, each project is crafted with love and a personalized touch. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life with a piece as unique as your story.
My work extends to business clients too! I partner with companies to create custom artwork that reflects their brand identity, ideal for product designs, branding visuals, or inspiring decor that tells their story. Recent collaborations include custom pieces for local businesses like La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla and Cactus Beach Bar.
My Journey
After nearly a decade as a software engineer at Google, I felt burned out and decided it was time for a change. I took a year-long sabbatical, traveling through Southeast Asia, and while in Thailand, I picked up watercolor painting. I got hooked immediately! This unexpected discovery led me to embrace a new chapter, fully pursuing my artistic passions.
Now, I blend the structured approach from my tech background with the fluidity of watercolor, creating a style that is both precise and free. My work begins with expressive ink lines, and the watercolors bring each scene to life—a style my collectors describe as both calming and engaging.
What Inspires Me
My Polish heritage and life in San Diego come together to create a unique perspective in my art. Marrying a Colombian has added new layers of cultural richness to my life, which often finds its way into my art.
Inspiration strikes everywhere: from city scenes to nature’s beauty and the charm in everyday details. I believe in the healing power of art and strive to create pieces that offer a serene escape.
What I Stand For
- Diversity and Belonging: As a queer artist, I bring my full self to my work and strive to create spaces where everyone feels seen and celebrated.
- Commitment to Social Justice: I’m committed to dismantling systems of oppression, including patriarchy, white supremacy, and ableism, both externally and within myself. This work is a central, ongoing part of my life.
- Conscious Living: I’m moving away from “grind culture”—the relentless push to always do more. I embrace a balanced approach, creating with intention and honoring natural rhythms. My art reflects this purpose-driven, rather than productivity-driven, mindset.
- Spiritual Connection: While not religious, I feel connected to a higher consciousness, guided by an inner Source. As a Reiki practitioner, I bring clarity and intention to my life and art through this life force energy.
- Earth-Centered Choices: I care deeply about our planet and try my best to be eco-conscious—shopping at container-free stores, eating mostly vegan, and offering carbon-neutral shipping on all online orders.
- Authenticity and Vulnerability: Inspired by voices like Kate Northrup, Desiree Adaway, and Elizabeth Gilbert, I value honesty, depth, and the courage to show up as we are.
5 Fun Facts About Me
- World Citizen: I’ve called 7 countries home and explored 50+ others, each place adding new inspiration to my palette. Along the way, learning four languages has broadened my ability to connect and share through art.
- Interior Design Enthusiast: My apartment was featured in "Apartment Therapy" magazine—proof that creativity flows beyond the canvas!
- Creative Storyteller: I’m an award-winning writer with a love for fiction, always crafting new worlds with words.
- Culinary Adventurer: I’ve shared plant-forward recipes on my blog, inspired by my travels and love for blending creativity with flavor.
- Yoga Aficionado: With Hatha and Kundalini yoga teacher trainings under my belt, I’ve practiced yoga for years, embracing the calming benefits of movement and mindfulness.
