🎨 We Are Artists Podcast: Sassa Wilkes on Art, Identity & Community

🎨 We Are Artists Podcast: Sassa Wilkes on Art, Identity & Community

In our latest episode of We Are Artists, we had the honor of speaking with Sassa Wilkes, a deeply thoughtful and talented Appalachian artist whose work bridges the worlds of intimate portraiture and large-scale community murals.

Sassa’s creative journey began with a background in sculpture, which continues to influence the way he paints—with depth, texture, and intention. His process is intuitive and layered, often blending oil paint, graphite, collage, and even gold or silver leaf to bring dreamlike imagery to life. At the heart of his studio work is a fascination with the human form, the unseen spirit, and the surreal.

But Sassa’s creativity doesn’t stop at the canvas. He’s also actively shaping the cultural landscape of West Virginia through his role as Director of Creative Placemaking at Coalfield Development. In this conversation, we explore how art can bring people together, change the feel of a space, and become a tool for transformation on both personal and communal levels.

As a queer and transgender artist living in Appalachia, Sassa speaks with candor and grace about what it means to live authentically, create from the heart, and show up fully in spaces that haven't always been welcoming. His voice is one of strength, imagination, and radical presence.

Throughout the episode, we cover:

  • His evolution from sculpture to mixed media painting

  • How community engagement fuels his public art practice

  • The balance between talent and putting in the work

  • Why it’s important to connect with and uplift fellow artists

  • And the many rabbit holes that come with passionate creative conversation

If you’re interested in art that goes beyond aesthetics—art that heals, connects, and challenges—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

📲 Follow Sassa Wilkes
Instagram: @Iamsassa
Website: https://iamsassa.com/

💬 Share your favorite moments from the episode and tag us @weareartists_podcast to join the conversation.

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