Meet Savannah Ralph
Biography
Savannah (Savvy) Ralph is a visual artist and writer based in Greenville, SC, renowned for her expressive figurative works and illustrative style. Her art often intertwines with poetry, offering a deeper layer of meaning and personal reflection. As an alumna of the Brandon Fellowship at the Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Ralph not only creates in her studio but also teaches visual art, guiding gifted and talented students in grades 3-8 through the ARMES program at Greenville County Schools.
Ralph’s artwork is deeply rooted in her personal experiences, exploring themes of mental illness, identity, and the complexity of human emotion. Through expressive brushstrokes, vivid symbolism, and a dynamic color palette, she creates powerful narratives that resonate on multiple levels. Her style blends elements of realism, surrealism, and illustration, pushing the boundaries of traditional art by experimenting with unconventional materials and surfaces.
With a preference for working in acrylics, oils, charcoal, pencil, watercolor, and digital media, Ralph continuously seeks new ways to express her inner world while challenging the conventions of the visual art world.
Artist Statement
My interest in painting stems from a deep, intrinsic desire to express and understand my emotions. I view my artwork as a visual diary, a space where I can reflect and make sense of my experiences. As a non-binary, neurodivergent, queer individual navigating mental illness, creating art becomes a cathartic process—one that allows me to give form to my trauma and challenges.
I often work in a figurative style, including self-portraits, to connect with others and share my perspective. Through illustrative techniques, I simplify complex emotions, making them more accessible and relatable. My use of a precise color palette and expressive brushstrokes serves to communicate the emotional core of each piece, infusing every painting with a part of my identity.
Additionally, I pair my paintings with poetry, adding another layer of meaning to my work. Writing poetry based on the themes of each piece allows me to deepen the emotional resonance, further connecting the visual and literary realms of my expression.