We are Sarah and Andrew McWilson — partners in marriage and murals (for the last decade). The basis of our work is (and must remain) the human story. And we’ve always showed up a little differently (like in our box truck home named the Marshmellow). It’s what makes our journey — ours.
WHAT WE BRING
Everyone has a different idea of what a mural is and what it can be. It’s been our intention to bring something different, something that’s very much us to the public art realm. We consider our work as fine art living outside the gallery setting — made accessible for all. We set out to create artwork that captures a feeling and connects to the people who call a place home.
Creative Placemaking
We see ourselves as storytellers and creative place-makers. We have successfully created a collection of community-integrated works across the Southern United States over the past decade, with a focus on smaller towns, rural areas, and communities where art may not already be abundant. No matter where we’re creating — from urban to rural settings, it’s most important to us that through our marriage of words and visuals, anyone can find themselves in the story.
The Human Story
Painting people is a big part of the work we do. We see this as the most direct way to tell the human story, conveying emotion through form, and life through mark-making. Our work is figurative, created in a painterly style, utilizing our signature layering technique. An evolution of Andrew’s rhythmic mark-making in the studio, grown to include Sarah’s attention to detail.
Expanding Meaning
Sarah’s default language is written, while Andrew’s is visual. We acknowledge the pathway to a meaning is not singular. We use text in parallel with our imagery. These words within each mural allow another access point, and offer a greater depth and exploration of the theme we’re creating on. We want our work to touch on our shared humanity and these words invite introspection.
Living On-site
We bring a fully involved human experience. Living on-site in our tiny home on wheels for the duration of our process has offered us a way to be fully present for the whole of the experience and gives community members a deeper connection with us and the artwork.
