Serra Sewitch Posey Interview
Serra Sewitch Posey | @sebah_seabear_makes_stuff
Tell us a bit about yourself. Who you are, where you're from and what you do!
I’m an artist, writer, and musician in Portland, OR. My work history is mostly restaurants and coffee shops but in 2020 I got my Cosmetology license and started a new career as a hairstylist. I’ve been married since 2009 and have an eight year old daughter. I grew up in a little town outside of San Diego, moved to Chico, CA in 2000 where I got a BA in Philosophy, then spent a couple years in the Bay Area before moving to Portland in 2010.
I have two self published books: one is a memoir called My Heart is a Whale and the other is a collection of poems and short stories called Get Close to Me, both available on Amazon.
How did you get your start as an artist?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t an artist. I’ve always liked to draw, write, paint, collage, sew, make music, perform- anything creative. A lot of this has to do with my mom, who is creative in all the same ways as me. When I was growing up she always had ideas for fun art projects for me and my sister, and she was also working on personal projects. My dad is also very creative, though he spent a lot of time working his business consultant job. My dad likes to draw in a cartoony style and he’s a writer and musician. In our house it was normal to always be creating or expressing yourself in some way.
What do you love most about what you do?
Creating something, through any medium, makes me feel like a whole person. There have been times in my life, especially when my daughter was first born, when I didn’t have many opportunities to make art and it made me feel hollow or flat, one dimensional. Art helps me remember the magic and excitement and weirdness of being alive. It helps me connect to others by showing them what’s going on inside me.
What do you find the most challenging?
As I get older I find myself becoming more and more dependent on the world’s response to my art. I used to make things just for myself and I didn’t care if anyone around me connected to it or thought it was “good.” Now it doesn’t feel like enough to just make something and tuck it away. I have more of a hunger to be “seen” which feels uncomfortable because it’s a need that is reliant on others. But mostly it just stems from a desire to connect, to be part of a community of artists.
“Art helps me remember the magic and excitement and weirdness of being alive. It helps me connect to others by showing them what’s going on inside me.”
When things get tough, where do you find the inspiration to keep moving forward?
I’m the kind of person who needs a lot of alone time to center myself and recharge. If I’m feeling stuck or overwhelmed, all I need is an hour or two at my art desk or a solo walk, preferably in nature.
Who is another artist you admire most and why?
Another collage artist I love is Patti Robinson. I love her simple and satisfying use of color and shape. Her art is playful, bold, sure of itself but not arrogant. There’s something about abstract art that really appeals to me and soothes the nonlinear, subconscious part of my mind.
Tell me something unusual that makes you happy.
Banana slugs.
Anything weird on your bucket list?
Funnily enough, this. I’ve always wanted to be interviewed and I think this is the first time.
Top three songs you keep on repeat:
“Drink My Rivers” Andy Shauf
“You Should’ve Seen the Other Guy” Nathaniel Rateliff
“Springtime Of The Year” Kacy & Clayton
“I’m ready to bring art to the forefront, let it become a bigger, wilder part of me- hand over the reins to my artist self. I’m not sure exactly what that would look like, but I know that art is what fills in the gaps when life starts to feel a little empty. Art is what makes life feel meaningful for me and I want to sink into that more...”
Podcast you can't get enough of?
Always love the “Mortified” podcast
How do you fuel for the day?
As much sleep as possible + coffee
Tell us about your vision for the future? Go big! We want to root you on!
Although art has always been a necessary part of me, I feel like I’ve kept it sort of small and contained, just one element of my day-to-day existence. I’m ready to bring art to the forefront, let it become a bigger, wilder part of me- hand over the reins to my artist self. I’m not sure exactly what that would look like, but I know that art is what fills in the gaps when life starts to feel a little empty. Art is what makes life feel meaningful for me and I want to sink into that more and always be seeing the world through an art lens. Mostly I want to know more artists and be more involved in my local art community.
Serra Sewitch Posey
BLOG | @sebah_sebear_makes_stuff | Website
Books on Amazon:
