ABOUT

About Sierra

Sierra Barnes’ paintings are a vibrant reflection of her journey—one shaped by resilience, creativity, and a deep desire to uplift others. Diagnosed at the age of five with craniopharyngioma, a rare brain tumor, Sierra faced extraordinary challenges early in life. Following life-saving surgery, she learned to navigate lasting health complexities, including panhypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency, requiring daily care and deep mindfulness. Through it all, art became both her refuge and her voice.

Sierra’s artistic journey began during recovery, when her mom handed her a small canvas as a way to process emotions she couldn’t yet put into words. Her first painting, Complicated, captured the layered experience of a child navigating the unthinkable. “Even at such a young age, I was expressing myself through art,” Sierra recalls. “Creating has been a profound part of my life ever since.”

Over the years, Sierra has continued to create from a place of intuition, healing, and growth. Guided by the belief that every experience holds meaning, she has learned to trust her voice and remain true to herself—despite doubt or external criticism. “If I had listened to negativity about my art or appearance, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she shares.

Specializing in abstract and figurative work, Sierra creates intuitively—allowing each piece to unfold through feeling rather than planning. She works with acrylics, watercolors, pastels, and paint markers, infusing emotion into every layer. Crystals such as rose quartz, amethyst, and citrine are incorporated into her paintings, adding texture, intention, and energetic depth.

Each original artwork features an handwritten poem on the back, offering collectors a deeply personal and reflective connection to the piece. Beyond painting, Sierra expresses her creativity through writing, sharing her journey and insights on her blog and social media accounts, Officially Thriving, Her voice has also been featured in You’re So Lucky by Grace Wethor, a collection of stories from brain tumor survivors.

Today, Sierra’s work stands as a testament to healing, self-expression, and the power of creativity. Through her art and words, she continues to connect with others and spread positivity—creating pieces that not only elevate spaces, but also resonate on a soul level.

Sierra is currently represented by ArtLifting.

Statement

I pour my heart and soul into every piece of art and poetry I create, guided by a deep desire to uplift and inspire others. Art has been a powerful source of healing throughout my life, helping me navigate some of my most challenging moments. My first painting, Complicated, stands as an early testament to the transformative power of creative expression.

My creative process begins with intention. I approach each piece with positive energy, writing affirmations and uplifting words directly onto the surface to set the tone for the work. I incorporate crystals—such as rose quartz, amethyst, and citrine—adding layers of texture, vibration, and meaning. My process is intuitive and unplanned, allowing emotion and instinct to guide each piece as it naturally unfolds. Creating often becomes a meditative experience, one that leaves me feeling deeply connected and grounded.

I draw inspiration from daily life, personal experiences, and the world around me. Working primarily in abstract and abstract figurative styles, I allow feeling to lead the way. Sometimes my art inspires my poetry; other times, my poetry fuels the art. These two forms of expression are inseparable, each adding depth, emotion, and story to the other.

I embrace the subjectivity of art, understanding that not every piece will resonate with every viewer—and that is part of its beauty. Art invites individual interpretation, offering space for each person to find their own meaning and connection.

Above all, I am an artist, writer, blogger, and brain tumor thriver, thriving through the chaos, mess, and beautiful imperfections. My work is a reflection of resilience, love, and the belief that art has the power to heal, connect, and uplift us all.