Interview: How The Block Shop Catapulted Sabi Klein Art

You may have seen it in The Block Shop, but I’ve been infatuated with Sabi Klein art for a while (and I won’t apologise for it). It’s bold, abstract, filled with texture and contains an array of paint colours that dance on a canvas in a way that I’ve not witnessed before. What’s not to be captivated by?

I was aware of Sabi’s work long before it graced TV screens, but you might have first encountered it there; adorning the walls of Chris and Jenna’s space in The Block Glasshouse season just gone.

Does Sabi mind that the show and The Block Shop somewhat catapulted her art into the eyes of the mainstream when she’d been producing work from her Melbourne studio for a few years prior? Not at all.

“There has definitely been more buzz around my work and a show like that provides national coverage that I would not have been able to gain on my own,” Sabi tells me. “The day I finished it (she produced seven pieces for the show) I had a call from the show asking if I had something available. To me it was a sign!”.

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Inspired by the things she sees and experiences in everyday life, Sabi’s work ranges from original paintings, limited edition prints and even framed options, which can be shipped Australia-wide. And although she admits to finding beauty in day-to-day life, it was the passing of her father two years ago that motivated her to turn her hobby into a full-time career.

“For me art was an escape and it helped me go to a beautiful place where I became lost and didn’t think about the reality of what was happening in my life,” Sabi explains. “It then became obvious that this is the legacy he’d leave behind and that painting is what I was meant to do”.

It goes without saying that I love this art, but the story of how it came to be feels even more special to me. It’s a something-good-from-something-bad moment that I can really connect to and admire.  

I asked Sabi what her advice would be to people who are creative and want to turn it into a full-time gig. Having escaped the corporate world (she had previously worked in radio and advertising), Sabi tells me that despite the fears, you have to take the plunge.

“It’s not easy – you have big hurdles along the way. There are doubts and there are many highs and lows. But if it’s in your heart and it’s your passion, I think that it will ultimately come through in your work. I’m also very lucky to have an understanding and supportive ‘team’ behind me (hubby and two kids) and without them I wouldn’t be here”.

Click here to visit the Sabi Klein website and explore more of her art.

Are you digging this style of art?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Sabi’s story in the comments below 🙂

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