Sabra Testa

I was always the kid coming home covered in mud or paint or some sort of unidentifiable smudge, and that hasn’t changed much. It’s bad for carpet but good for art. 

Now I live in Hawaii (with my husband and cat), where the exotic patterns and color combinations in the natural environment push me to find new ways to bring depth and energy to the canvas — to tinker and explore until the pigments come to life.

The free flow and unpredictability of working with resin suits my personality. It also allows the freedom to experiment with a huge variety of unconventional surfaces. The surfboards in my new series, for example, once rode some of the best waves in the world. Now they have a second act, ready to be loved by new people for new reasons.

Creativity should be messy. If you’re feeling inspired (or even if you’re not), make something. Anything. Don’t worry what it might be, or how others will receive it. Don’t give yourself a reason to reconsider.

Just get a little messy. That’s where the magic is.