SARA YOURIST is a painter, professor, and visual storyteller whose work conjures theatrical worlds where porcelain figurines whisper secrets of control, delusion, and desire. A self-described “hoarder of historical and decorative imagery,” she creates surreal compositions that reimagine 18th- and 19th-century porcelain as stand-ins for human drama, each tableau a stage where beauty and unease perform in tandem.

Yourist earned her MFA in Painting from Indiana University and a BFA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where her passion for painting first ignited. Before entering academia, she worked as a preschool teacher- an experience that continues to inform her practice. She draws inspiration from the imaginative nature of childlike play, reenacting scenarios of inner turmoil and delight using toy-like figurines.  

Currently, Yourist serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the J. Irwin Miller School of Architecture in Columbus, Indiana. Her academic role complements her artistic endeavors as she continues to explore the intersections of art, design, and narrative.  

Beyond the studio, she explores classical voice lessons, rearranges her apartment furniture with a curator's eye, and searches online antique auctions for her next muse. Her recent collaboration, “Reshaping Relics,” merges oil painting with 3D-printed frames inspired by historical artifacts, challenging traditional viewing methods and fostering a tactile, immersive experience.  

In her own words, Yourist's work is a "fabricated narrative" that uses the allure of decorative objects to explore deeper themes of control, deceit, and the human condition. Her paintings are not merely visual feasts but also invitations to question the stories we tell ourselves and the roles we play.

More of Sara’s work may be explored on her website and IG Account.