I'm Sarah Hughes, and I've always been a self-taught artist.
My journey with art began in a unique way, shaped by the constant moving my family did when I was growing up. You see, my dad's career required us to relocate every two to three years. But instead of viewing each move as a disruption, I saw it as an opportunity to express myself through painting.
As a child, I eagerly joined my parents in the process of transforming each new house into our home. Painting the walls was a family affair, and I relished the chance to add my personal touch. Every time we moved, I got to choose the color for my room, and that simple act of painting my space made it feel like mine amidst all the change.
As I grew older, I took on more responsibility. Eventually, I was the one wielding the paintbrush, turning my room into a sanctuary that reflected my personality. The knowledge that I'd have to paint those walls back to white before we left never deterred me. For me, the act of painting wasn't just about the end result; it was about making a place my own, even if only temporarily.
When I ventured out on my own, the pattern continued. I moved frequently, and with each new apartment or house, I brought my love of painting with me. I knew that I'd have to repaint everything before moving out, but the satisfaction of creating a space that felt like home was worth the effort. Painting my room became my ritual, my way of settling into a new place and making it uniquely mine.
Over time, friends and acquaintances began to take notice of my passion for painting. They started hiring me to paint rooms in their own homes, and my projects grew in scope and complexity. What began as a personal endeavor soon turned into a side gig.
Then, in 2020, something unexpected happened. A mural project fell into my lap, and I decided to embrace the challenge of something entirely new. It was a turning point. I fell head over heels in love with every aspect of the mural creation process. From concept to execution, the mural project transformed me, giving me newfound confidence in my artistic abilities.
Completing that mural was a pivotal moment, one that made me realize that I could turn my lifelong passion into a full-time career. That's when I founded "A Pinch Different, LLC." My vision was clear: I wanted to use my skills to turn houses into homes with unique, hand-painted walls, help businesses enhance their spaces with custom murals, and contribute to the community by creating vibrant and colorful public art.
Since then, I've been fortunate to bring my artistic vision to life. I've designed and painted murals in countless residential homes, transformed the interiors of local businesses, and brought art to public spaces that brighten the community. Even though I only recently embraced the identity of an artist, I wholeheartedly embrace it now. I continue to grow and develop my skills by taking on new projects that challenge me to explore and create something different. My journey as a self-taught artist is a testament to the power of embracing change and following your passion, no matter where life takes you.