Meet the Artist Sasha Lewis
By Stacey Gregory
From the sun-soaked landscapes of Southern Arizona, Tucson-born and raised artist Sasha Lewis brings us into her vibrant world of whimsical critters. Her journey to become an artist began as a young child with a mother who made ceramics to a degree in printmaking from Arizona State University before she returned to her hometown and picked up her paints and, eventually, clay.
“Mom was an artist, always doing ceramics and paintings,” Sasha shares. “When I got bored with painting during COVID, she encouraged me to try ceramics. We even got a kiln to start working together.”
Not very good at drawing people, Lewis became bored with traditional art concepts and began creating fun, imaginative characters she calls her
critters. These bright and vibrant works exude personality and charm, drawing significant inspiration from her late dog, Gracie Cow.
“Gracie was a heeler and my constant companion for 15 years. Her body type, eyes, and movements influence all my little critters,” Lewis said.
Though Sasha shies away from the spotlight, her work speaks volumes. Despite not being interested in marketing herself (she just wants to make stuff!), word-of-mouth and her Instagram have garnered her a loyal following in this tightly-knit art community.
“Tucson is a big, small town. People see something, and they know who made it or find out quickly,” she said.
A standout piece in Sasha’s portfolio is her mural for Hello Bicycle, a project that unexpectedly skyrocketed her visibility.
This mural, completed in the fall of 2021, showcases her freehand style, which she prefers due to its spontaneity and freedom from rigid structure.
“Precision and details aren’t my thing, so I freehand everything,” she said. “I get anxious and need to finish my work as quickly as I start it. It’s all about capturing the moment for me.”
Her approach remains refreshingly authentic and true to her roots. She primarily focuses on custom commissions now, often creating pet portraits or murals, yet all of her pieces are for sale. Through her vibrant characters and heartfelt creations, Lewis invites us all to see the world a little differently, one critter at a time.
@sashaaliza
