Polyakov, Sarah

Sarah Polyakov has loved the act of creation for as long as she can remember. With graduate degrees in English and Psychology and a minor in art, she finds various forms of artistic expression incredibly gratifying. Sarah has been greatly influenced by her world travels: 23 countries and counting. Whether she is writing, painting, drawing, taking photographs, or distressing furniture, Sarah’s love for storytelling as well as different cultures is evident. You might have seen some of Sarah’s writing online, or in Gig Harbor Living magazine and Latitude 45 magazine. Sarah’s other passions include animal rights, working for environmental causes, and human rights initiatives. When she isn’t working on everything that is artistic, Sarah loves preparing gourmet meals for her husband and their two children. If you would like to work with Sarah, pick her brain on a topic, or just say “Hello,” Sarah welcomes your phone call. You may contact her at 253.576.4192.

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Chair Affair Artist

Rue Chángshòu

2016 Chair Affair

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Longevity. For as long as there has been mankind, there have also been many references to the illusive fountain of youth. With the Chinese symbol for longevity at its center, this chair was done with the intention to bestow a long life as well as vibrant health on its recipient.

I originally found this chair at a thrift store. It had small breaks in a couple of places and had a peeling, walnut colored finish on it. What immediately grabbed by attention was the longevity symbol that was carved in the center of the chair. I was drawn to it and knew that it could have another life as a fabulous piece of functional art. But, I also knew that if it was not done carefully and with a lot of thought, the longevity symbol could make the chair seem trite.

First, I fixed a couple of small pieces of damage. Then, I decided to pay an homage to ancient China by using a palette of colors that were common in Chinese antiques and art. I also wanted to bring in opulent metallics to give the chair a sense of being distinctive. I employed a 12-layer process (that I have developed) with lots of layering of the same colors from my palette. The distressing on the chair was hand-painted and I used a lot of small brushes to add touches and provide definition where needed. Though I love the shabby-chic look, I don’t use typical distressing tools, electric sanders, or textured finishes. Though it takes a lot of time, each brushstroke is planned in order to add to the overall look. The result is shabby-chic meets modern art.

Deuxième arrondissement

2016 Chair Affair

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Paris has so many small antique stores as well as vendors that have set up shop along the left bank of the Seine. I wanted to create a piece that reflected the kind of antique style that might be found in Paris.

I love discovering hidden gems at thrift stores or on Craigslist. There are so many opportunities for upcycling gently used pieces of furniture and breathing new life into them. I found this bronzed lamp without a shade at a thrift store. First, I antiqued the lamp with gold, silver, and red. After I located suitable a lampshade with blue trim, I painted French words on as a tribute to Paris. Then, I added a final coat of chalky blue paint to the lamp so that it matched the shade.