Meet Sara Schesser Bartra | Visual artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Schesser Bartra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursue an artistic career later in my life after working for over 20 years in the science field. I felt that was something that I needed to do both for myself but also to help others and contribute to society. As a scientist I did an important job and contributed to society, but I felt that it was not in a direct way. I think through the arts perhaps I can do a better job. I can focus on what I love, enjoy and make me happy, and it at the same time aligns that passion with my values and the impact that I want to have.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am a visual artist based in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. I was born in Argentina but lived in many other places in the world mostly in Europe until I relocated to the United States in 2001.

I think the creative spirit has always been inside me, to be a scientist you have to be creative. During the pandemic I reassessed my priorities and decided to make the transition from scientist to artist after working for 20 years at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami as a researcher. I was doing art during that period as well but not full time.

I think I have a unique niche coming from a scientific background into the arts. There are many topics that I can highlight with my art, especially help to raise awareness about topics related to health, science, nature and environment and even other social topics such as race, diversity and inclusion. As a former scientist Microbiologist, I often refer to Microbiology and microbes. But I do not limit my art to those topics, my intention is to develop two lines of art, one more conceptual and the other more decorative and commercial.

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?
Living in Miami and with friends from around the world you always have visitors that are eager and curious to know about the city. I take them to see Miami Beach, the Art Deco district and for lunch to the former Versace mansion: Giani’s restaurant. I also take them to Brickell and to have some drinks at Sugar on the rooftop of the East Hotel. The Miami Design district, ICA Miami, the Perez Museum. The Miami Zoo is so beautiful and interesting for growing ups as for children. Another favorite spot is the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. And for those that love nature (a lot of them do) The Everglades National Park and Fairchild Tropical Garden. From Miami you can take short trips to other parts of South Florida which offer so many different experiences outdoors as well as indoors. Such places like the Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, San Augustin and more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think that behind any individual’s success there is a village. One cannot accomplish anything alone. You need people that inspire you, that support you at different stages and occasions, you need partners, allies. I am not any exception to this, especially getting in later in life to a new field. My family was and is there for my support unconditionally, but also, I think as an artist it is important to be in a collective or group or organization. I would like to give that shoutout dedication to organizations that open their doors to me as a new starting artist, as an artist that it was, and it is growing and developing. There are few organizations such as Broward Art Guild, Zero Empty Spaces, and lately very instrumental in my growth and development ArtServe.

Website: https://www.lvlyartbysara.org/

Instagram: @schesserbartrasara @lvlyartdesigns

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/sara-schesser-bartra-6511b119

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sara.bartra/

Image Credits
Fareed Al-Mashat