From Wilderness to Canvas: Sarah Phelps on Following Two Loves

In this episode of the Art Stories Podcast, hosted by Sky Lilah (@skylilah), we sit down with Sarah Phelps, a Canadian abstract artist whose bold, vibrant paintings are shaped by a remarkable dual identity as both artist and wildlife biologist. Over a decade studying mammals, reptiles, and amphibians across Canada and Australia gave Phelps a scientific lens on the natural world—a perspective that now infuses her expressive acrylic and mixed media works with depth, wonder, and authentic resonance. In our conversation, we explore her unexpected pivot from planned art studies to biology, the journey that called her back to the canvas, and how her background in nature continues to inspire her powerful abstract pieces—especially her acclaimed ocean paintings. We dive into her creative process, her philosophy on art as a vehicle for healing and personal connection, and what it means to honor multiple loves and identities in a single life. Follow Sarah Phelps: https://www.instagram.com/inspiresarah/ Follow & support: @artvancouver @vvafofficial Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review – we truly appreciate your support!