Written by Amelia Pontifex
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Growing up in Zambia, Central Africa, Saren Dobkins had a childhood that stimulated her internal creative world. She enjoyed the freedom of being in Nature, reading prolifically, and exposure to the cultures around her.
She recalls near death experiences from standing on a crocodile, looking a lioness in the eye, being charged by an elephant and holding onto the neck of a galloping racehorse.
Saren Dobkins
Soon after arriving in Perth in 1976, Saren and her family moved to Alice Springs. Here, she became interested in film and photography and under the guidance of local identity Margaret Latz, participated in creating a documentary on The Camel Cup – a local camel race and Northern Territory institution.
The film was awarded second prize in the Australian Film and TV Children’s Film Awards and at the age of 14, Saren, presented a copy to Prince Charles, on behalf of the NT government, for his 30th birthday.
Reclaiming Lost Love | 91 x 91cm, Oil on canvas
At the age of 16 Saren travelled to Israel to live on a kibbutz for six months and worked in the cotton fields, kitchen, and factory. She began drawing and realised this gave her the tools to visually express conflicting situations and emotions that she experienced. It was the beginning of her artistic journey.
Whilst visiting an exhibition in Jerusalem, she discovered the artist Yosl Bergner and found his work transformative.
“I knew then what I wanted to do. Reach people through the power of art by speaking the language of the intangible,” Saren recalled.
“I knew I wanted my works to resonate, to be animated with colour and emotion and to transport the viewer so that they could feel something.”
A Case of Commoner Salt | 120 x 100cm, Oil on canvas
While traveling in her twenties Saren gained experience in metal and stone sculpture while apprenticed to master Silversmith/Sculptor, Nissim Mizrachi. On her return to Adelaide, she completed a Certificate in Sculpture. She focused on creating large scale bronze and steel sculptures while also teaching herself to paint.
Her studies continued into degrees in Art History and Graphic Design, while also working as a shoemaker, muralist, jeweller, filmmaker, and writer – which all contributed to the development of her visual language.
Listening To The Dreaming | 91 x 76cm, Oil on canvas
While Saren’s work has strong geometric and formal qualities, it is energised by her gestural and spontaneous mark making.
“I see painting as an excellent example of how life unfolds – like life, it is created through my intent and the random intertwined.”
Dog Star | 40 x 40cm, Acrylic on board, Framed
When later living in Brisbane, with two young children, she was a founding member of WandA (Women’s Art Collective) and has since had works purchased by several institutions and collectors around Australia. She exhibited in several group and solo shows and was a finalist in nationally recognised prizes including the Du Rietz Art Awards, Lyn McCrea Drawing Prize and Queensland Regional Arts Awards.
An Ongoing Frustration | 101 x 76cm, Oil on canvas
As a studio-based visual artist who paints every day, Saren takes inspiration from conversations, books, cinema, and world politics with a daily practice of drawing and writing.
“I don’t necessarily know how the image will appear, but it all starts with a core idea inspired by an intriguing concept, an insight or an experience.”
The Grass is Always Greener | 91 x 91cm, Acrylic on canvas
“I use oils and am very conscious of the impact of colour. I’m intrigued by geometric shapes and think deeply about the interplay between movement, narrative, and the energy of the work. I give clues to a kernel of a story. In some ways, it is as if we are walking in midway through a conversation. The viewer interprets it as they wish. It’s a personal and visual language created from observation and a desire for balance amongst the chaos.”
In This Moment | 100 x 100cm, Oil on linen
Saren is inspired by many artists, including Max Beckman, Henry Moore, Whitely, Käthe Kollwitz, Nolan, Rothko and Rover Thomas – artist’s who create forms and surfaces that excite the senses, which evoke or provoke ideas and an aesthetic appeal.
She often draws inspiration from artists she admires. She contemplates while painting: ‘how would Caravaggio create drama through chiaroscuro here or which colours would Rothko use to evoke this emotion?’
“What affected me at a young age was how instrumental the arts are for a healthy community and how influential good painting, good sculpture, good writing can be. I wanted to be part of that conversation and to contribute to it. I felt I have something to say and the means to express it.”
Flamingo Dreaming | 91 x 91cm, Oil on canvas
There are several themes that are recurring elements in Saren’s pieces, informed by her travels, personal experiences, and observations. Her concern about environmental and social balance is evident in the intimate connections displayed between animals, birds, landscape and figures. Her works are succinct but multi-layered.
Reaching For Self | 102 x 102cm, Oil on canvas
Considered a painter’s painter, Saren uses the canvas as the ‘stage’ of the narrative she wishes to tell.
Her use of symbols refers to the Jungian idea of the collective unconscious.
“I am interested in portraying figures that ‘represent’ our humanity, because I look beyond the superficial labels and explore internal landscapes.”
The Red Papoose | 61 x 91cm, Oil on canvas
“We are invited to see who we are when no one is looking. I often explore courage. The courage to be yourself. What we need to overcome to be more aligned with ourselves.”
She will often be inspired by a piece of writing and draws what is sparked as she reads. She ‘joins the dots’, and her titles are often the key to understanding the meaning of the work.
Be Calmed | 76 x 100cm, Oil on canvas
“All my paintings are a calligraphic record of my learning, or an ‘integration’ of an experience that moved me. In some ways, they can be thought of as visual poetry. Above all, I hope to create something that speaks to the Truth of who we are. Fallible, searching and buoyed by love.”
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