The Art of Sarah Hickey: Process, Inspiration, and the Contemporary Landscape

What defines a contemporary artist today—and how does one build a visual language that resonates globally? Discover the work of Australian artist Sarah Hickey and the creative forces shaping her distinctive voice. In this featured episode from the Women Unscripted podcast network’s Featured Artists playlist, host Chris Stafford explores the work and creative journey of Australian artist Sarah Hickey—a contemporary voice shaping the evolving landscape of visual art. Known for her compelling approach to form, texture, and narrative, Hickey’s work reflects a deeply personal yet universally resonant exploration of identity, place, and perception. Through this artist spotlight, we examine Sarah Hickey’s artistic process, influences, and the themes that define her work within the broader context of contemporary Australian art. From the nuances of material and technique to the conceptual frameworks that underpin her practice, this episode offers insight into how artists today are navigating both local and global art conversations. As part of the Women Unscripted network—home to over 1,700 episodes across 20+ shows—this Featured Artists series highlights influential and emerging creatives in the visual arts. Hosted by Chris Stafford, a journalist, author, and broadcaster known for her intuitive, unscripted interview style, these conversations reveal the human stories behind the art—authentic, thoughtful, and deeply engaging. Whether you are an artist, collector, curator, or simply passionate about contemporary art, this episode on Sarah Hickey offers a compelling look at one artist’s contribution to the cultural dialogue—bridging Australian perspectives with a global audience. Discover more artist interviews, creative insights, and conversations with leading voices in art and culture by subscribing to Women Unscripted on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Sarah Hickey Australian artist, contemporary Australian art, Australian contemporary artists, women artists Australia, visual artist Sarah Hickey, contemporary art podcast, artist interviews, Women Unscripted podcast, AART podcast, Chris Stafford host, featured artists playlist, modern art Australia, emerging artists Australia, art process and inspiration, visual storytelling in art, contemporary female artists, art podcast YouTube, artist spotlight series, global contemporary art, creative process artists, fine art discussion podcast BIO Australian painter Sarah Hickey whose bold colors radiate through her expansive canvases expressing an internal world of dreaming and reflection through her spirituality and imagination. We hear how Sarah’s creative soul was evident in her childhood as she explored a range of visual elements from theater to fashion and iconography. Sarah was born in Brisbane in 1975 and grew up in the surrounding area.  She was educated at Queensland College of Art where she earned a BFA in Visual Art and a BEd at Griffith University. Parents Eileen and Paul gave Sarah and her younger brother Sean the freedom to explore, which enabled Sarah to connect with nature in a spiritual sense—something that is constant in her paintings. While in high school, Sarah visited England, France and Spain when she became enthralled by European artists. After she graduated college she spent time in Germany as a nanny living her own version of her favorite film, The Sound of Music. Sarah was always drawn to teaching and has been a High School Art teacher for 23 years. After her marriage to George Hickey, Sarah returned to her art and has participated in numerous shows and exhibitions, and garnered several awards including The Percival Portrait and Sunshine Coast National Art Prize, The Kennedy Art Prize, Redland Art Awards. Sarah lives in Brisbane with her husband George and dog Molly. Instagram:@sarahhickeyart Some of Sarah’s favorite artists: Frida Kahlo Lucy Culliton (Australian painter) Clairy Laurence (sculptor) Laura Jones (Australian painter) Yvette Coppersmith Julie Fragar Judith Nangala Crispin Olivia Godbee Alicia Cornwell Penelope Boyd Wendy Sharpe Host: Chris Stafford Produced by Hollowell Studios Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram The AART Podcast on YouTube Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com