Sally King Benedict

We’re so inspired by Sally’s raw talent and intrepid self-expression… below, we discuss listening to intuition, the artists she most admires, and her favorite spots in Atlanta.

Artist

We love getting lost in the work of Atlanta artist Sally King Benedict — her abstract works feel at once boldly new and of a bygone era, infused with a beautiful sense of expressionist freedom and vibrant spontaneity.

After studying studio art in Charleston, Sally returned to her native Atlanta to continue to get her hands dirty and pursue art full-time, and has since built a loyal following throughout the South of collectors drawn to her specific juxtaposition of the classic and the unexpected.

We’re so inspired by Sally’s raw talent and intrepid self-expression…below, we discuss listening to intuition, the artists she most admires, and her favorite spots in Atlanta.

Where did you grow up? What are your best memories of childhood?

I grew up in Atlanta, GA — some of my best memories include: loading up in the car for family vacations while playing Nintendo with my brother in the backseat...learning sports and music from my older brother...dressing up for lunch at the Park Room at Neiman Marcus with my grandmother...and going to gallery parties with my mom and her friends.

What were you like as a child?

Quiet and perceptive. Happy and adventurous. I was definitely a tomboy, but I loved to dress up, too. And I was always painting or creating something to give away as a gift to anyone that would take it!

Spontaneity plays a key role in your work and process: in what ways does this release of perfection carry over into your life?

I try and release perfection with things in life that cause stress and that simply cannot be controlled. I’ve learned a lot by becoming a mother in that most of the time when you plan, the plans end up changing in some way. When I release it the way I do when I paint, and become spontaneous in life and with my family, we typically have more fun and feel free in whatever we are doing! Being an intuitive painter definitely carries over into life outside the studio. Intuition is key.

When I release it the way I do when I paint, and become spontaneous in life and with my family, we typically have more fun and feel free in whatever we are doing! Being an intuitive painter definitely carries over into life outside the studio. Intuition is key.

What artists (in any medium) have been most influential for you?

Artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Helen Frankenthaler, Annie Leibovitz, and Picasso. My studies in Renaissance Art History have had a major impact on the way I understand art. I’ve recently opened my textbooks, and felt an immediate wave of inspiration and energy.

What colors are inspiring you right now (or perhaps unexpected pairings in palette?)

I’ve been inspired by both highly contrasting and monochromatic palettes: Earthy, muddy tones layered with bright whites and unexpected bursts of color.

What’s a big moment in your personal life that helped define the woman you are today?

Becoming a mother has definitely been the most defining moment as of yet. Looking forward to the next!

What was the last great book you read?

Only Love is Real: A History of Soulmates by Brian Weiss

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect health for everyone in this planet and a private plane to take my family and friends anywhere we want to go anytime. (Wishful thinking, I know!)

What do you love about living in Atlanta — what are 5 of your tried and true recommendations in the city?

I love taking walks along the Chattahoochee River with family and our dog.

We love Georgia Grill for a go-to amazing meal with locals.

Visiting the Beltline on a beautiful day.

Jalisco Mexican restaurant

Chastain Amphitheater is a must for a great concert