ABOUT

About Sierra

Sierra Barnes' paintings are a vibrant reflection of her journey through life, marked by resilience, creativity, and a desire to uplift others. Diagnosed at the age of five with Craniopharyngioma, a rare brain tumor, Sierra faced a challenging path early on. Following a life-saving surgery to remove the tumor, she had to adapt to the lasting effects of the condition.

Her artistic journey began during recovery when her mom handed her a small canvas to help process her emotions. Sierra’s first painting, titled Complicated, captured the complexity of her experience as a young child navigating extraordinary circumstances. “Even at such a young age, I was expressing myself and my emotions through art,” Sierra recalls. “Since then, creating has been a profound part of my life.”

Over the years, Sierra focused on healing and honing her artistic skills, embracing a mindset of growth and positivity. “Everything I experience is an opportunity to grow and learn,” she explains. This outlook has helped her persevere through challenges, including moments of doubt and external criticism. “If I had listened to negative comments about my art or appearance, I wouldn’t be where I am today as an artist and a person.”

Sierra’s artistic style remains as intuitive and heartfelt as her very first painting. Specializing in abstract and figurative work, she creates through feeling rather than planning, allowing each piece to evolve naturally. She works with a variety of mediums, including acrylic paint, watercolors, pastels, and paint markers, infusing emotion into every stroke. Sierra also incorporates crystal powders such as rose quartz, amethyst, and citrine into her art, adding layers of texture, energy, and meaning to her work.

In addition to painting, Sierra channels her creativity through writing. Every original artwork she creates is accompanied by a handwritten poem on the back, offering viewers a deeper connection to the piece. She also shares her journey and insights on her blog, Officially Thriving, where she writes about fashion, beauty, lifestyle, wellness, and spirituality. Sierra’s voice has reached beyond her personal platforms, with her contributions to "You’re So Lucky", a book by Grace Wether and is a collection of stories from brain tumor survivors, offering inspiration to countless readers.

Today, Sierra’s art is a testament to her resilience, passion, and the power of self-expression. Through her paintings, poetry, and writing, she continues to share her story, connect with others, and spread positivity, proving that creativity can be a guiding light even in life’s most challenging moments.

 

Sierra is currently represented by ArtLifting

 

Statement

I pour my heart and soul into every piece of art and poetry I create, driven by a deep desire to help and inspire others. Art has been a source of healing for me, guiding me through life’s most challenging moments. My first painting, Complicated, stands as a testament to the transformative power of creativity.

When I create, I approach the process with positive intentions, infusing each piece with energy and meaning. I write affirmations and uplifting words directly onto the surface, setting the tone for the work. I also incorporate crystal powders—such as rose quartz, amethyst, and citrine—into my art, enhancing its vibration and intention. My process is intuitive and unplanned; I let my emotions and instincts guide me. This approach allows me to enter a meditative and relaxed state where I feel deeply connected to my craft.

My inspiration comes from daily life, personal experiences, and the world around me. I create in two primary styles: abstract and abstract figurative. Sometimes, my art inspires my poetry, and other times, my poetry fuels my art. The two forms of expression are deeply intertwined, each adding layers of depth and emotion to the other.

I embrace the idea that art is subjective. I know not everyone will understand or connect with my work, but that’s part of its beauty. Art invites diverse perspectives, allowing each viewer to see something unique and personal.

Above all, I am an artist, writer, blogger, and brain tumor thriver creating in a beautifully chaotic world. My work is a reflection of resilience, love, and the belief that art has the power to heal and connect us all.