Keynote Speaker and Speed Painter

  • Inspirational Speaker in Sydney, NSW

  • Travels Nationwide
  • Starting from $5,000
  • Available on Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

Sarah Rowan is an artist and thought leader who empowers individuals and organisations to ignite a better future through creativity. As one of Australia's #1 Speed Painter (according to ChatGPT), she has lived and breathed the dynamic process of transformation for over 20 years. Rowan has reimagined the role of the artist, pushing the boundaries of a studio-based pursuit into a trail-blazing performance genre that challenges the limitations of time and space. Her creative keynotes are funny, inspirational, and life-changing!

500+ events! 350K+ raised for charities! 12x business finalist awards!
Clients' shortlist; includes Google, Adobe, Destination NSW, Ferrari, and Priceline.

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As one of Australia’s top Speed Painters, she has lived and breathed the dynamic process of transformation for over 20 years, turning blank walls and canvasses into thought-provoking pieces of art, with limited time and often in front of a live audience. Merging her artistic talent with her passion for public speaking, Sarah has reimagined the role of the artist, pushing the boundaries of a studio-based pursuit into a trail-blazing performance genre that challenges the limitations of time and space. Sarah creates LIVE works of art during her keynotes on creativity and authenticity. Or she can create up to 5 speed paintings during a single event!


STAGING
For events with a stage, Sarah requires a space minimum 2 x 2 metres – Sarah provides her own drop cloth, canvasses and painting materials. She paints on a (spinning) easel. If you wish to display paintings following the performance, please provide a-frame easels. If a Sydney based event, Sarah can provide a few. A small side table for paints is needed. Sarah covers with a drop cloth.
SOUND
Sarah prefers to perform with at least some background music (i.e. cocktail parties). For larger gala events she requires an opportunity to verbally connect with the audience via handheld microphone. (She makes sure hands are wiped clean of prior to touching). For short performances, Sarah communicates a song or two prior to the event and confirms it works with the style of the event and sound engineer.
LIGHTING
Flat wash on stage is best for the performance. Note to Lighting Operators – If Sarah is doing a short performance starting with a black canvas, then she prefers front lights at 40% max- paint (being wet) reflects under heavy lights. Lights above the performance area can be set to 100%. The rule of thumb is that if the canvas does not look dark grey or BLACK at the start of the performance, the lights are too bright. Lights from behind the stage are OK as long as they are not pointing directly through the performance area.
FILMING
It is not necessary to have live-to-screen filming. Sarah has performed shows for up to 500 pax without live to screen. Live to screen is, however, handy if the room is an odd shape, narrow and long (with the stage in the center) or if there are visual obstructions in the room. It can certainly enhance the performance if it is a large room of more than 500 pax. If the show is to be recorded for live projection, a copy of the performance footage is to be available following the event.
Rider and Production Notes
TRAVELLING
Sarah provides all artist materials for his show, making it simple for the event planner. She travels with a long ski tube holding paints and easel.
DRESSING ROOM If dressing room is available, please have stocked with a bottle of water.
SETTING THE STAGE
Sarah performs all necessary checks of performance area, sound checks, and lighting PRIOR to doors opening for the event. Although she may be scheduled to perform later in the program, she prefers to do her setup (about 20 minutes – getting paints ready, setting up easel) at this point and leave her materials to the side of stage. She then only requires 2-3 minutes to set the stage prior to the performance.




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