ABOUT

While a passion for the artistic does not always grow from an equally strong passion for politics and diplomacy, that is exactly how PYP Arts & Designs came to be. After several years in the political arena, PYP founder and artist, Sarah Sweeney, made the decision to return to school to study international relations. What happened next surprised even her.

“Going back for my Masters degree was a great decision,” says Sarah. “Well, that is, with the exception of the impact on my pocketbook.” It was soon after beginning school that Sarah realized she would have to take matters into her own hands– literally. “I decided to figure out how to make things for myself. Things I could not afford to have otherwise.”

Beginning with a couple of pieces of jewelry for herself, Sarah’s motivation to create grew over time. Not only was she enjoying the creative process, but she also started getting commissions from friends and strangers alike for pieces to add to their personal collections. “The Piedras y Pretties Jewelry Collection was born of need but is now enthusiastically nurtured by passion.” says Sarah.

An equally intense affection for photographing the world around her has blossomed in Sarah in recent years. “I absolutely love traveling, interacting and being out & about. Whether it is a weekend road trip in the car or a full-blown international excursion, I live for those moments where I experience or see something outside of the everyday sights and sounds that make up my life. The photographs really all came from that place—a way of capturing moments in time I wanted to hold on to and preserve.”

Sarah’s newest experiment is learning to sew and that has resulted in a small line of clothing creations. Inspired by the many wonderful kids in her life (her awesome niece, Ella Sarah, and other cherished little ones prominent among them), she has created several shirts and dresses for little girls and the mothers, aunties, grandmothers and the other women who fill their lives with love and adventure. These pieces are wonderfully versatile, going from dresses to shirts while little ones grow and conveying a casual, comfortable elegance for the grown-ups who wear them. Yet another new element in her collection is an extension of her jewelry design, she has begun work on hair accessories and is loving the feathers, beads and other fun stuff she is getting to work with. Plus, as she points out, “Who doesn’t love to work with a glue gun?”

While not trained in sewing, photography, accessories or jewelry design, Sarah has grown to appreciate the ideals of self training and do-it-yourself ethics as cornerstones for her blossoming business. “Sometimes I think it is only natural that my love for politics and diplomacy would grow into something like this. In a way both require a bit a know-how and a lot of calculating how to make it all work to best serve its purpose.”

Sarah currently resides in California with her husband. She travels as much as she can and, as always, enjoys a good discussion about politics or current events.