"I was born to paint. Nothing was ever as compelling for me as picking up a brush, and reaching for a tube of paint. The choice came later. Searching for the connection between heart and soul, intellect and skill, and the ability to put it together, has been my life long journey. Creating a piece of art that satisfies me completely is a challenge and offers me the ultimate frustration with the pursuit of the highest of rewards. I possess an insatiable curiosity about what life has to offer and it is displayed in my art."
Ms. Sawyer has been long recognized as a leading textile designer and manufacturer worldwide. She has received many industry awards, including being honored at The United Nations for The Fashion Institutes' "50 year Star Salute" for her unique contributions in design, color, and fabrication. Ms. Sawyer's designs have been exhibited in the Cooper-Hewitt Museum and published in numerous design books. She was elected to The State University of New York's Alumni Honor Roll, and at that time, was one of only four F.I.T. graduates to ever be granted this title.
Harriet has been living and painting on the "east end" since 2002 and has been shown in multiple group exhibitions, including several at Guild Hall, and has completed two one-woman shows. She has been painting her entire life.
To quote Eric Ernst: "Throughout the evolution of Harriet Sawyer's recent paintings, the key component that dominates the works themselves is the artist's use of dynamic emotional elements. They arise out of a confidant use of imagery and a powerful sense of juxtaposition. There is no judgment present, the narrative ambiguity allows the viewer to interpret them as meditative reveries rather than as dogmatic assertions."
