SilverLiningArtDecor

Announcement    Where do I begin...
When I think back to when I started creating artwork, I think of some really dark times. The fact that I could pick up a pen, a pencil, a paintbrush and I could escape my reality made me cling to creativity. I would get lost in every line, in shading, and every brush stroke. At the time, I thought I was getting "lost " in my work, but in reality I was on a journey to find myself.

I am a survivor of being trafficked and I struggled with heroin addiction for 16 years of my life. During that time I experience a great deal of trauma, but on the flip side I was also creating a great deal of trauma for my loved ones and the people around me. I had bouts of homelessness. Many incarcerations and prison terms. I am a survived sexual trauma, physical and emotional abuse. Ive went to countless detoxes, treatment centers, shelters, you name it. Thank goodness I was able to heal and grow.

I used art as therapy. As an escape. I would create something and think about my life. I would think about my past. I would think about memories. I would wonder if there was a way out of this. I would think about possibilities, about goals and aspirations. I would think about sooo much. In reality, I didn't get "lost" in artwork... I believe I found myself in creativity. I found expression through art.
Now, I am 5 years sober. I work as a Lead Victims Advocate for a non profit organization that helps survivors of human trafficking and formerly incarcerated women in the Milwaukee area. I get to help women that walked in the same shoes as I once did and show them that recovery from trauma is possible. Creating artwork with my clients has been rewarding and so many levels.

I started this page after being awarded Featured Artist for the 2020 International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference. I want to Thank You for taking the time to read a little of my story and for checking out my artwork.

Sarah Demerath
Creative Ace / Owner
Silver Lining Studios
(262) 239-9199