From art fair to gallery walls

Before we dive in, I have a small favor, and a big thank-you:

We’re currently running a market research survey to better understand how Swil Arts can serve you best. A huge thank-you to everyone who's already shared their insights! Your responses mean the world.

If you haven't had the chance yet, there’s still one week left to participate, and you’ll be entered into a special giveaway as our thanks!

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW AND ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

Now, onto the blog...

This month, I’m reflecting on growth, community, and embracing new opportunities, both creatively and personally. If you're new here, I’m Sara, founder of Swil Arts, a San Diego-based art studio focused on meaningful illustrations, eco-conscious creations, and intentional living.

Here’s what to expect:

Art In Progress

From Sip @ Seaport to Art Scene West

Last month I had the joy of participating in Sip @ Seaport, a charming art and wine fair in downtown San Diego. What stood out most to me was how beautifully unique each artist’s work was. There were about seven or eight of us exhibiting, showcasing everything from oil and acrylic paintings to watercolor and even resin art crafted onto reclaimed surfboards! The themes were just as diverse, capturing beach scenes, city skylines, expressive human portraits, and coastal California vibes.

The whole experience was a beautiful reminder of how different each of our creative paths can be, and how valuable our individual voices and visions truly are.

And now, I'm thrilled to share that my own artwork is currently featured at Art Scene West, a vibrant art gallery nestled in downtown San Diego. Seeing my creations on these gallery walls feels surreal, the next exciting milestone on my artpreneur journey.

I’m excited to invite you to experience my artwork in person! Visit Art Scene West, or explore the collection online at swilarts.com.

 

Creative Perspectives

Aurelia “Skiter” Chappell: A Queer Visionary

In each newsletter, I spotlight an inspiring artist whose creativity moves me deeply. This month, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Aurelia "Skiter" Chappell, a talented queer artist (and a dear friend) based right here in San Diego.

I first encountered Skiter’s art through our friendship. The first pieces I saw were hanging at her house: bold acrylic cityscapes with skyscrapers, New York-style, full of vibrant colors and strong lines. One piece especially caught my attention: a large-scale painting of a nude woman sunbathing. It had this cool Palm Springs, mid-century modern feel, with clear lines and vivid colors. Painting something at that size is seriously impressive, and I admired the skill behind it.

Skiter also works comfortably across different mediums. She once showed me a mixed-media, almost collage-like piece inspired by her fiancée, in a vintage Hollywood style, which I thought was beautiful and thoughtful without trying too hard.

Not long ago, we went to the opening of a mosaic she helped create at a high school in Coronado. It’s a big public piece, really striking. She’s also studied welding and has made some beautiful metal sculptures. She’s one of those people who’s always making something, and it’s cool to see how many directions her creativity takes her.

You can explore Aurelia "Skiter" Chappell’s awesome art on her Instagram.

Mindful Moments

Trusting Your Inner Guidance

This month’s mindful reflection is inspired by a passage from Kate Northrup’s beautiful book, Do Less:

"There is no one set of rules that will work for every person in every situation. Our inner guidance is the best leader we have. Don't follow anything unless it's been run through your inner guidance first and it's been deemed a fit for you and your unique, beautiful mishmash of circumstances, preferences, and soul qualities."

— Kate Northrup, Do Less

This quote resonates deeply with my personal and artistic journey. So often, especially as creatives, we look outward for the “right” path, the perfect strategy, or the definitive answer. But creativity - and life itself - is beautifully messy, wonderfully unique, and rarely linear.

Lately, I've been practicing tuning into my intuition more intentionally, trusting my instincts in the studio, listening to my body’s cues when I need rest, and reminding myself that my inner guidance is a better compass than any external advice could ever be.

Maybe you’re facing a decision or feeling uncertain about the next step. If so, I invite you to pause, take a deep breath, and check in with yourself first. Your own wisdom is more powerful than any outside rulebook.

Thank you for journeying with me as Swil Arts grows, evolves, and celebrates creativity. Your support means the world.

Curious to see more? Explore my latest art prints and collections at swilarts.com, or follow along on Instagram @swilarts.

Back to blog