As a self-proclaimed hoarder of historical and decorative imagery, Sara Yourist paints fabricated narratives that tiptoe between the realm of surrealist and still life paintings. Inspired by operatic stage design, she creates artificial compositions that recontextualize the objecthood of porcelain figurines to convey a sense of uneasiness and uncertainty. Sara received her MFA from Indiana University and a BFA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania where a deep passion for painting was discovered. As a former preschool teacher, Sara is inspired by the imaginative nature of child-like play in reenacting scenarios of inner turmoil and delight by using toy-like figurines. Through her work, she explores the idea of frivolity through visual excess with an undercurrent of control and delusion. She is particularly interested in the relationship between humans and their innate need to control; be it other people, animals, the environment or themselves. Sara is currently a Visiting Professor at the J.Irwin Miller School of Architecture in Columbus, Indiana. While not in the studio, Sara can be found taking classical voice lessons, rearranging the furniture in her apartment, and scouring online antique auctions.