I work with straw, a natural fiber rarely seen in contemporary art. I’ve been drawn to it since the moment I first saw its surface catch the light. The medium is organic and richly textured, yet luminous. It has a natural silica coating that reflects light in a way that feels both opulent and raw—a fascinating paradox that continuously inspires my work.

Transforming straw into art feels almost alchemical, turning something humble into something unexpectedly refined. I split and flatten its hollow tubes into smooth, ribbon-like strips. After selecting or dyeing the straw to build my palette, I meticulously collage each piece onto wood panels. The process is slow, requiring precision, attention, and care. And because the medium itself is luminous and textural, it shapes the work as much as I do.

My compositions are rooted in the language of traditional craft—like Zellige tilework, weaving, and Kumiko—where structure and rhythm guide the eye. In some recent series, I have been inspired by the stepped patterns of Bargello needlework as well as the geometric shapes of traditional quilt blocks.

Through this work, I hope to reimagine what this humble material can become and offer a moment of calm, contemplation, and quiet clarity.

Sarah Barone Schwartz is a Boston-based artist creating luminous, textural work using hand-dyed straw. Her artistic journey had its unlikely beginning in engineering, where she honed her problem-solving skills and love for technical drawing. But it was in textile design that she discovered her passion.

After studying textile design in Berkeley, California, Sarah co-founded Sarah + Ruby Design Studio, celebrated for its hand-painted wallpaper. Her wallpapers have been featured in show-houses, international showrooms, and publications like “Interior Design” and “The Textile Eye”.

In 2021, Sarah expanded her practice to include fine art, drawing on her deep respect for artisanship and structure. Working with straw, she creates carefully composed pieces that reflect the organic qualities of her medium. Her art is often described as mesmerizing and meditative, with a shimmering quality that captures light and transforms its surroundings.

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