Celebrating Women's Strength Through Art: My SALA Exhibition Story
When I first met Michelle at WOMAD back in March, it was one of those magical moments where the universe aligns, and something beautiful is set in motion.
We instantly connected—her passion for creating spaces where people feel special resonated with my own mission as an artist. She loved my art and envisioned it adding a burst of colour and happiness to her space at Blow Out Style & Bar.
I'm super excited to share that our connection has blossomed into an exhibition for the SALA festival.
Unleashing Your Inner Sparkle: The Story Behind "Happy & Free"
My exhibition title, "Happy & Free: A Celebration of Inner Sparkle", encapsulates breaking free from societal norms and embracing our true selves. This exhibition is a celebration of that inner sparkle—the vibrant, unfiltered essence of who we are when we shed the expectations placed upon us and allow ourselves to simply be.
Embrace the Real You: Art as a Celebration of True Self
I want my art to be more than just pretty pictures—it should challenge us to see beyond the surface and embrace who we are, flaws and all. That’s what "Happy & Free" is all about.
In a world that often tries to define us by how we look, my art reminds us that true beauty lies in our quirks, our strengths, and the stories we carry within us.
The Magic of SALA: Art in Unexpected Spaces
The SALA (South Australian Living Artists) Festival is really special. It's a celebration of the incredible creativity in our community, offering artists like myself a platform to share our work with a broader audience. But what makes SALA so unique is the way it encourages artists to display their work in non-traditional venues, like Blow Out Style & Bar, and connect with different audiences who might not visit a traditional gallery.
This approach makes art more accessible, fostering a symbiotic relationship where both the artist and the venue benefit from sharing their audiences.
Why Art in a Bar? The Charm of Non-Traditional Venues
By showcasing art in unexpected places like bars, SALA invites everyone to experience creativity in new and exciting ways. It’s art for everyone, everywhere.
Art + Venue = A Match Made in Creative Heaven
At Blow Out Style & Bar, art and styling come together, creating a space where you can enjoy beauty in all its forms—whether it’s on the walls, in the mirror, or on both!
The Art of Storytelling
Art, for me, has always been about more than just pretty pictures. It's about celebrating what's within—our quirks, our strengths, our beautiful imperfections. My work is a colourful celebration of the inner beauty that makes us who we are.
But there's another layer to it—one rooted deeply in storytelling. Growing up, my sister and I would spend hours lying on the floor, drawing worlds inspired by superheroes, witches, and fairies. We'd tell stories as we drew, bringing our characters to life and imagining their adventures.
'Make Your Own Rules' a Sandra Gale original artwork
Satisfying my Inner Child: Drawing on Imagination
This storytelling process has stayed with me; today, it's a core part of how I create. Every piece of art I make is infused with its own backstory and meaning. I imagine the lives of the women I create—their personalities, their journeys, and the things that make them unique.
Bringing Quirky Characters to Life
Each portrait I create is a tribute to women who embrace life in their own way. They're not perfect; they're real, bold, and unapologetically themselves. Through my art, I want to remind people, and women especially, that they’re special, not because of their appearance but because of who they are. Your friends love you for the vibrant spirit you bring into their lives, not the external image you present to the world.
"Create Your Path" Original Art by Sandra Gale
Dive into My World
In this latest collection, I've embraced a new approach—taking more risks, adding imperfect elements, and letting the messiness of life seep into my work. The result is a series of pieces celebrating the idea that life, much like art, is not about perfection. It's about the beautiful chaos that comes from living authentically. These pieces reflect the idea that when we embrace our imperfections, we create something truly beautiful.
"Time to Play" Original Art by Sandra Gale
Perfectly Imperfect: Celebrating the Beauty of Messiness
Life is messy, and so is art. But in that messiness, I’m finding a kind of beauty that only comes from embracing the unexpected and letting go of the need for perfection.
From vibrant portraits to lively still lifes, my latest collection invites you to explore the beauty in the imperfect and the joy in the unexpected.
Treat Yourself to Art and Pampering in Adelaide
Exhibiting at Blow Out Style & Bar, a space where people come to feel nurtured and special, felt like the perfect fit for my art. Michelle and her team create an environment where everyone is celebrated for their unique beauty, just as I aim to do through my work. It's a space where you can step away from the hustle of life, take a moment to breathe, and be reminded of the beauty that lies within you.
When I looked at my vibrant portraits and still lifes on the Blow Out Style & Bar walls, along with the faces in the room on the opening night, I felt a deep sense of gratitude.
Grateful for the opportunity to share my work, for the connections I've made, and for the chance to be a part of something as awesome as SALA. But most of all, I'm grateful for the people who see the value in what I create—the collectors, supporters, and friends who believe in the message behind my art.
Style + Art = The Ultimate Self-Care Combo
If you haven't had the chance to visit my exhibition yet, you should definitely come and experience it for yourself.
You could also book yourself in for a little treat and see Michelle and her team for a styling experience. It's a fabulous way to enjoy some self-care while experiencing my art in a vibrant, welcoming environment.
Or you're welcome to pop in and see my work any time during their opening hours without booking in for a treatment!
"Bloom Big & Bright" Original Art by Sandra Gale
Celebrate Life’s Colourful Imperfections with Me
Whether you're drawn to the quirky portraits or the imperfect still lifes, you'll find something that speaks to the beauty of embracing who we are—flaws and all.
If you can't make it in person, I invite you to explore my work online. Join me on this colourful journey of celebrating life's beautiful imperfections.
Thank you for being a part of this adventure, and I hope to see you at Blow Out Style & Bar before the festival wraps up!
Visit Sandra’s 2024 SALA exhibition: "Happy & Free: A Celebration of Inner Sparkle"
Location:
Blow Out Style & Bar, 70 Unley Road, Unley
Dates:
1 - 30 August 2024
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
