Another one of those artists in the woods…

Sarah Adams

Artist Statement:

As an interdisciplinary artist, designer, and educator, my work is informed by the intersections of mathematics, science education, design, and the human experience. Working primarily in atmospheric oil painting, I explore themes of reflection, resilience, and transformation, examining the complexities of life and the ways culture shapes our understanding of identity, opportunity, and belonging. My practice is particularly attentive to the experiences of women and disadvantaged, non-traditional students, considering the social structures, challenges, and expectations that influence their lives. Through my work, I seek to create space for contemplation, connection, and a deeper understanding of the shared and individual experiences that shape us.

Biography:

Sarah Adams is an oil painter and designer with a foundation in costume design, sewing, and pattern drafting. She holds a degree in Fine and Performing Arts (2007) and her theatrical design work earned national recognition with the National Technical Costume Award at the Kennedy Center for her work on the minotaur from Convention—now known as the series Severance on Apple TV written by Dan Erickson. She has also worked in product development, contributing designs to MyRadDog™ (now sold by Nite Ize on Amazon), and has maintained a freelance practice in art and design since high school.

While Sarah has explored many creative mediums—including digital work, watercolor, markers, and pastels—oil painting has always been the next step where there was just a little more space. Her experience in costume and product design continues to support her painting practice, bringing a sense of structure but also character to her work.

Following the economic downturn of 2008, Sarah returned to school to earn a Master of Arts in Mathematics and has been a math professor since 2011. Even in the classroom, she finds joy in blending logic and creativity—often incorporating visual representations into her teaching. This fusion of left- and right-brain thinking defines her approach to life and art.

Sarah has taught sewing and dance, designed for the stage, and remains deeply committed to hands-on creation even in her math classes. She is another one of those artists in the woods of north Idaho, where she lives with her husband and a golden retriever. Together, they have flipped four houses and are now building a home from the ground up. Her weekends are filled with forestry work, hikes, gardening, construction—and always, painting.