We had the good fortune of connecting with Sawyer Guthrie and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sawyer, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Having come from a family of self-made entrepreneurs, there has been a mindset of “creative innovation” and living a life that is “against the norm” instilled in me at a very young age. Growing up my father always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and chase my passions. Having been given this support my whole life, it only felt natural to follow my dreams of becoming a professional artist. I was put on this earth to create. Not using my God-given talent would not only be a shame but also a life long regret. I am so incredibly fortunate and blessed to be able to do what I love everyday; painting, creating, imagining, and discovering all while being able to turn my special endeavors into income. Starting your own business can be scary, intimidating, and daunting. However, to me the reward of self supporting freedom and independence, far outweighs the difficulties and obstacles of being “self-made”.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been painting since I was 4 years old. Messy paints and canvases have always been a part of my life since the time I can remember. Exemplifying and portraying all that I find beautiful here on this earth just comes naturally to me. In all that I do, I hope to bring glory to my one true Creator, Jesus Christ. I am a Christian artist led by the Holy Spirit. I spend a lot of my time in the studio praying and reading my bible; meditating upon the Word of God, in hopes that it flows out through me and onto my canvas. I’m an artist because He made me one. I paint because that’s my mission here on earth. I like to think of my artwork as a form of “abstract-realism” with themes of majestic surrealism. I find joy in painting all different kinds of animals in contrasting nature. I invasion animals in a different realm than the one we are currently in. I like to portray color emitting from every aspect of the canvas; butterflies fluttering all around, creating an ethereal atmosphere where the viewer can get lost in the heavenly realm. When I paint, I think about God. I think about all of the glorious creatures and nature He has created. I love to paint somewhere I’d like to be. Animals flying, fluttering, splashing, swimming all around me; surrounded by His created beauty. My hope is that my artwork and voice inspires others to have a deeper, more spiritual, and personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Although I have moved across the country various different times in my life, I still call Alabama my home. While I spent time residing in beautiful Southern California, Florida, and Tennessee, nothing quite beats the feeling of coming home to grandma’s house in Northwest Alabama. Having traveled to many different places throughout the U.S. exploring big cities and metropolitan areas, this small town girl is most in her element on a plot of land, feeling the grass under her bare feet and soaking in the breeze. I love to spend my time down at my barn with my chickens and ducks. I find a numerous amount of inspiration on the back of my horse at sunset. I love to go on trail walks through the woods behind my house, taking pictures of all the wildlife that I see along the journey. We get all four seasons here in the South, so it’s nice to celebrate and appreciate each season accordingly, experiencing change. Living in a small town, a person can get used to the “simple life” here. Home-cooked meals and Friday night football games are a large part of the culture. The community truly gathers together to help others during their time of need. You cannot drive down the road here without getting a friendly wave from either a friend, acquaintance, or even a stranger. There’s something so comforting about coming home to my small town after a long trip experiencing the hustle and bustle of the “big city”. While from an outsider’s perspective it may seem like there’s not a lot going on here, there’s more than meets the eye. My small town is a place where you can always count on a warm home and a hot meal, experiencing camaraderie with friends that are as close as family.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My very special grandfather, Hal Guthrie is part of the reason why I am who I am today. Being an entrepreneur and somewhat of an artist himself, Hal always encouraged me to keep painting and seeing the world through my own lens. Hal was a very eclectic man with many various talents. He always loved to learn new things and constantly made an effort to inspire those around himself to live life to the fullest. While I knew him as my grandfather, in his older age, Hal was absolutely young at heart and his perspective of life was timeless. I am so grateful to have grown up with the love and support to pursue my dreams and follow through with my God-given talents, not only from Hal, but also my whole family.
Website: https://sawyerguthrie.com
Instagram: @sawyerguthrieart
Facebook: Sawyer Guthrie Art
Youtube: @sawyerguthrie