Sabrina Terence is a record-setting abstract artist who achieved the groundbreaking feat of successfully sending her artwork 65 km (over 200,000 feet) high into space in October of 2016. She discovered her passion for art in 1998 during her first painting lesson while residing in Germany. Since then, Sabrina has participated in numerous prestigious art exhibitions worldwide, including Art Basel, Art Berlin, and Art Fair Singapore, among others.

She attributes her artistic inspiration to abstract art, finding her creations to be both innovative and sophisticated. Employing a precise combination of acrylic and oil on canvas, she crafts her distinctive pieces characterized by vibrant colors and various effects and techniques. Here’s our exclusive interview with Sabrina:

How did you conceive the idea of sending your art into space, who organized it, and why was this endeavor important to you?

When I began painting in 2015, I aimed to be unconventional. While the standard route would have been to hold my first art exhibition in a traditional gallery, I wanted to pursue something distinct. Thus, the idea of sending my painting ‘Serenity’ into space was born. At the time, I never anticipated the painting’s safe return, let alone locating it via GPS. However, it did return safely, and since then, it has become a central feature in many of my exhibitions, accompanied by a video documenting its journey to the stratosphere.

What inspired you to start painting?

I’ve always had a love for art, but it wasn’t until I found myself touring the world as a DJ that I truly had the time to reflect. In 2015, amidst my travels, I had a profound realization that I needed to find balance in my life. After spending time in meditation, I underwent a spiritual awakening. I felt a deep inner calling to paint, and once I started, I found myself completely immersed in the canvas. Painting has since become my ultimate form of meditation and creative expression. It’s a spiritual journey—a continual exploration of life.

On average, how long does it take for you to create an artwork?

I typically spend about two weeks on a single piece. However, ‘The Black Edition’ was an exception—it took nearly a year to complete. This was due to my use of a special oil color that required six months just to dry properly.

What materials do you use?

My preferred mediums are acrylic paint and mixed media. They offer a faster drying time and allow for experimentation. However, for ‘The Black & Silver Edition,’ I challenged myself by using oil on wood. Not only was it a struggle to achieve the vinyl effect I envisioned, but as mentioned earlier, the drying process was significantly prolonged.

What makes your art unique?

First and foremost, I believe that every artist brings a unique perspective to their work simply by creating. As for myself, I find my uniqueness lies in my versatility across various art styles. Sometimes, I delve into monochrome black or silver oils, while at other times, I immerse myself in vibrant, colorful abstracts. I refuse to confine myself to a single style, allowing my art to evolve freely, which, in turn, contributes to its uniqueness.

How do you generate new art ideas?

I experience different phases of creativity throughout the year. In the winter, I often find myself in a more relaxed state, but my creative juices truly flow during spring and summer. It’s during these seasons that my mind brims with fresh ideas, eagerly awaiting their expression on canvas.

Why is your art valuable?

Ultimately, the value of art is subjective and varies from person to person. While money may serve as a societal measure of value, I believe the true worth of art lies in its ability to evoke emotions, inspire, and provoke thought.

What is the highest-priced painting you’ve ever sold?

To date, the most expensive painting I’ve sold is titled ‘Circle of Life.’ This Special Edition piece, crafted with oil on wood, took six months to complete. I was delighted that the client appreciated my work and was willing to invest significantly in it.

What makes your art career profitable?

I’m fortunate to have my studio located in my home, which significantly reduces overhead costs. This means that I primarily need to invest in standard materials such as wood, canvas, and paints. Additionally, I handle my own marketing efforts, further minimizing expenses and maximizing profitability.

Some of your artworks are quite large. How do you determine the size of a painting, and what is the typical size of your artwork?

At present, my largest paintings measure 200 x 200 cm. The size of each piece is determined by various factors, including the style and intended impact. For instance, my ‘Black Edition’ artworks typically range from 100 to 150 cm because scaling them down would compromise their aesthetic appeal.

Which paintings tend to sell better, larger or smaller?

I find that abstract faces are my best-selling pieces. In terms of size, I’ve observed that medium-sized artworks, typically around 100 cm, are the most popular among buyers.

How do you handle the delivery of your large artworks to clients?

To ensure the safe delivery of my larger artworks, I’ve developed a method of shipping them in sturdy wooden crates. This ensures that they reach my clients securely and in pristine condition.

From which countries do your clients originate, and what age range do they typically fall into?

My clients hail from various countries, with a significant portion coming from Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. As for their ages, they span from 25 to 70 years old.

Was there any perceived risk in starting your art career?

For me, pursuing a career in art never felt like a risk. I’ve always believed that with dedication and effort, I would accumulate a substantial collection of paintings that could be sold. It’s all about investing in your passion and trusting in its inherent value.

What are some failures and setbacks you have encountered since starting your art business?

In the past, I’ve experienced setbacks such as shipping paintings to art galleries at my own expense, only to have them remain unsold. However, this is a risk inherent to the art world that many artists encounter. To mitigate such risks, I’ve learned to be more discerning in selecting galleries, opting for those willing to cover shipping expenses, which can be recouped after a sale.

How has COVID impacted your business, and what changes, if any, did you have to make?

COVID-19 greatly affected my business, leading to the postponement of several planned art shows in Düsseldorf, London, and New York. Currently, I’m eagerly awaiting easier travel conditions to attend these events. Despite the challenges, I maintain gratitude for what I have. Ultimately, it’s not just about financial success, but also about being present and content with one’s circumstances.

How do you promote your art?

I primarily promote my art through social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, as well as my website: www.artsabrina.com

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