Tanis Browning-Shelp
Sarah Pooler is an acrylic painter who finds joy in depicting the simple beauty around us. As well as being an artist, Pooler is a pharmacist, partner, and mother of two busy school-aged children. The first question that pops to mind is: HOW?
Cafe. Acrylic on gallery canvas. 20″x16″. Image Supplied
“I find the time and space to paint at our kitchen table in what often turn out to be family paint sessions,” Pooler says. As idyllic as this arrangement sounds, Pooler admits that the space can be pretty tight and a bit chaotic with kids – daughter Grace, eleven; and son Evan, six – both alongside. “My husband used to join us, but now it is mostly just the three of us painting together,” she says.
“I often ask the kids for feedback. They are very opinionated. I adopt their suggestions and even ask for ideas on subject matter. Evan would like me to paint only Rubik’s cubes; and Grace loves Brantwood Park, especially the light shining through the grass. I painted that scene for her tenth birthday. She designed my logo for my Instagram page as well.”
Originally from the prairies, Pooler pursued her artistic journey across borders, studying at the Cambridge School of Art in the UK and at the Toronto School of Art. “Saskatchewan was a good place to grow up,” she says. “The province inspired me as an artist with its big skies, wheat fields, and incredible clouds, something that I am still working on mastering in my paintings. Clouds are challenging to capture!” Pooler lived in Saskatoon, finishing her degree in Pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan, and then moving to Calgary.
Prairie Clouds. Acrylic on canvas. 30″x24″. Image Supplied
Pooler’s husband Bud Sambasivan’s job in politics brought the family to Ottawa six years ago. “Bud and I were high school sweethearts,” she says. “We met in Grade 11 Biology.” When Sambasivam was in the UK for post-graduate studies, Sarah jumped at the opportunity to take art classes there.
Pooler admits that being a pharmacist and being an artist are two completely different sides of herself. “Very left brain right brain,” she chuckles. As a pharmacist, Pooler works at the hospital. “Pharmacists can have a creative side, you know!” She likes to create with her hands, and she likes to see a finished product. “I create art for fun. If others enjoy my work, then great.
Storm. Acrylic on canvas 10″x20″. Image Supplied
“The act of creation puts you in a very vulnerable space. I find that there is a lot of pressure for artists to be these crazy eclectic people. But I consider myself to be an ordinary person.”
Pooler admits that she has not always been consistent about doing her art. “The creative process depends very much on phases of inspiration,” she says. “Sometimes, your artistic mojo is going, but at other times, you’re just not into it. It may be that your cup is full and that you have no energy. I took a long break when Grace was born, then again after Evan came along.”
Over the last two to three years Pooler has been trying to pick it up again. “My eye is rooted in appreciating nature’s beauty. I gravitate towards landscapes and still life. My acrylic paintings aim to capture the tranquil moments that often go unnoticed, I hope, evoking a sense of positive energy.” Pooler cherishes the process of bringing everyday scenes to life on canvas and attempts to infuse her work with a quiet sense of wonder.
“I am drawn to light. When I am out skiing, I will sometimes snap photos for inspiration. I also draw inspiration from other artists. I think I gravitate towards bright colours because they are cheerful.
“For me, the kitchen table space is about function and intention combined. The location creates a sense of groundedness in me. There is decent lighting and the room, of course, is the centre of our home. I think it is good for the kids to see me create, make mistakes, and try again. They see me liking one thing and not another.
Gatineau Park Winter. Acrylic on canvas. 20″x20″. Image Supplied
My dad passed away years ago and was a big supporter of my art. I wear one of his old dress shirts as a smock when I paint.
“I enjoy painting still life works as well, capturing the sense of light in different ways, perhaps using the old masters’ palettes and painting with oils. But acrylics are brighter and there is less blending involved, so the work is more free flowing. We sold our family cabin in Saskatchewan recently, so right now I am painting it as a Christmas gift. I am also working on commissions.”
Pooler enjoyed displaying her works at A Walk of Art, the neighbourhood’s 2023 outdoor art tour back in September. Her kids helped her set up her display and she met many neighbours who had no idea she was an artist. She encourages Old Ottawa East residents to stay connected with her as she continues her artistic journey. For inquiries and updates, you can reach her at sarahpooler@gmail.com. Her work can be viewed on Instagram at @kitchentable_artist.
The artist at her kitchen table studio, a space that “creates a sense of groundedness in me”.
Photo by Grace Sambasivam
Author Tanis Browning-Shelp (http://www.browning-shelp.com) pens her Maryn O’Brien Young Adult Fiction series, published by Dog-Eared Books, from her home in Old Ottawa East. Contact tanis@browning-shelp.com if you have information about artists or art events that you believe would enrich our community members’ lives.
