Savannah Ball

ARTIST INTERVIEW:

What was once a meticulous artistic process now transformed into joyous brushstrokes of radiating sunbeams, and what is the cause? You might say Savannah Ball is in the midst of her own Renaissance. Savannah’s entrance into the art world began during her homeschool years, however, it was her formative years at VCU which propelled her into the arts. “I was learning from experts who specialized in a variety of mediums. I think that’s why my work changes so drastically sometimes because I like to learn about different media and styles.”

Savannah’s process is quite methodical with every step serving a distinct part in her overarching vision. Most of her paintings begin with a photograph, then a series of thumbnail sketches to further dissect the work. Next, she will envision where to add texture and color fields, then create a “color recipe card”. “It’s so helpful because if I don't write down how I made that color, things become less crisp and muddy.”

Now known for her unique landscape paintings, Savannah creates mysterious spaces which intrigue and captivate. “How little can I show you to get the essence of memory and place? That is my personal challenge.” Though lately it is bright sunrays and mountainscapes which have drawn her special attention, and for good reason. “At the beginning of this year I had health problems, and now I’m celebrating. Sunrays and mountainscapes remind me of the victories from this year and the joys ahead. I have learned to let myself off the hook, slow down, enjoy where I am. There's a difference between being busy and fruitful with life.”

Through this Renaissance of sorts, Savannah has shifted focus back to her creative process. “It's a very interesting time for me because I am now working on a less regimented process.” As it turns out, all that hard work has paid off. Savannah has her first solo art show, “All Wonder and Light,” in Lynchburg this November, which will showcase iconic artworks alongside her new work.

Savannah has learned to find beauty in every season of life, and that “a problem is a misunderstood opportunity.” If you're going through something really difficult it’s an opportunity for you to learn and grow and tackle a problem creatively.

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ARTIST BIO:

Savannah Ball graduated with her BFA in Painting and Printmaking with a Minor in Art History from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015 and received her Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies from Northwestern University in 2018. She was born in Orlando, Florida and currently lives and works in Richmond, Virginia.

Over time Savannah has developed a specialized approach to landscape painting, which results in abstracted renditions of unique scenery. She takes inspiration from the geometric and textural elements of original photographs, and loosely, yet purposely, recreates those elements with acrylic paint on canvas. The addition of a variety of medium additives allows her to build up an almost three-dimensional quality to each piece, and her bold color schemes give her works a vibrant sense of personality. Savannah is committed to a methodical process that involves a number of directed steps, each of which is essential to the finished product. Though regimented, her system allows for an optimal amount of freedom in creative decision-making while still paying due tribute to the initial inspiration.