Sabrina Da Costa completed her Bachelor's in Mass Communication and Journalism in Goa and later pursued an MSc in The Art Market at ISCTE in Lisbon Portugal. Recently, she relocated to Barcelona, Spain, to work at a prominent global tech company. Sabrina leverages social media, especially Instagram to share and captivate her audience with different aspects of her life. “Sabrina_stories” is her primary account where she shares everything from time spent with family to her intense workout routines, “beyond_paints" is another account run by her where she organises “paint and sip events” bringing together adults, fostering a memorable time while creating art. Her third Instagram account “sabrinaartdigest” simply shares her experiences across different art galleries, museums, art fairs, exhibitions and the like. With a passion for everything art, Sabrina is on a mission to fulfill her life’s dream in this field through resilience and hard work.
A lifelong connection to art
I have always been an artsy kid, spending my time drawing and dancing. Art has always been my way of expressing emotions. Growing up near the beach, I became a “beach baby” with a deep love for the ocean, waves, and sunsets. While in school, I dreamed of becoming a poet, but eventually, I realised I needed more than words to express myself. The colors, textures, and the spilling of ink became my language.
Finding solace through painting
At the age of 19, I went through a challenging emotional phase and turned to canvas painting for solace. Each brushstroke became a quiet conversation with my soul, a way to speak when words failed me. The colours I mixed were not just pigments—they were emotions, a language of healing. Over time, the weight I carried began to lift, not through a single grand gesture but through countless small, quiet revelations. Each painting helped me rediscover a part of myself.
A deep love for seascapes
My art predominantly features seascapes with turquoise greens, blues, sunsets, beaches, and palm trees. I also enjoy painting portraits because they reflect emotions and the stories behind faces. In 2020, I received an online scholarship for a Master's programme at the Milan Art Institute, which emphasised the divine connection in art. The idea of being suspended between heaven and earth while creating resonated deeply with me.
Developing a unique style
I painted my first wave at 19 under a mentor’s guidance, but over the years, I developed my own style. Painting waves now feels natural to me, whether I focus on intricate detailing or textures. My creative instinct often guides me, helping me prepare for each piece. While I am not a fan of NFTs, I am fascinated by audiovisual art and hope to create works inspired by artists like Sofia Crespo and Refik Anadol.
A balanced creative process
My creative process is a mix of spontaneity and discipline. I begin spontaneously, allowing creativity to flow freely, and then move to a more structured phase where I refine and detail the work. The final stage is freeing as I let my instincts take over again. Overworking a piece can ruin it, so I step away and return with a fresh perspective.My mother Lavina Da Costa and aunt Nisha Da Costa who are cake artists are my strongest critics, and their feedback often helps me make final decisions.
Leveraging social media for growth
Social media has played a crucial role in my artistic journey. Most of my art pieces have been sold through Instagram, and it has helped me connect with artists and clients from the UK, USA, Australia, and India. Before moving to Portugal, I reached out to artists, galleries, and art directors, engaging in conversations about their journeys. One of my strengths is pressing forward despite the possibility of failure. I regularly send my CV to CEOs of galleries and museums, knowing they may not respond, but I persist because all it takes is one opportunity to succeed.
Exploring diverse roles
In addition to my art, I have worked as a digital marketing consultant for Meta and currently manage digital marketing full-time. Four years ago, I started organising "paint and sip" events where adults could relax and paint by the beach. These events allow people to let go of the need for perfection and simply enjoy the process of creating.
Workshops and international exhibitions
In December 2024 I curated a solo art exhibition which had a lot of extract pieces, each piece was curated to go with a drink matching the colour combination of the piece.
While my art has not yet been displayed internationally in galleries, I am working toward that goal. I have organised workshops for kids and teenagers, teaching them canvas painting techniques, colour theory, and brush control. Urban sketching, scrapbooking, poetry, and video editing are other creative outlets I enjoy. One of my wave paintings was displayed at Retro Kolkata’s National Art Exhibition, where I won an award.
Working in Europe
Working at a museum in Italy with 13 associated galleries was a transformative experience. I managed their social media, assisted with curation, interviewed artists, and helped set up exhibitions. This opportunity deepened my understanding of the European art scene. Representing the Gagliardi Gallery at the Affordable Art Fair in the UK gave me valuable insights into the London art market, which is distinct from the rest of Europe. My mentor, Peter Gagliardi, played a key role in shaping my knowledge of gallery operations.
Aspirations and advice
My goal is to break into the European art market, combining traditional mediums with audiovisual art. Until then, I continue to send emails, resumes, and LinkedIn messages to art gallery CEOs. I believe that if you are passionate about something, there is a reason you feel it in your gut, and you should pursue it to the best of your ability. While it may not be feasible to quit a 9-to-5 job immediately, following your passions on the side is essential.
Embracing the journey
My journey has involved juggling multiple roles—as an art teacher, French assistant, small-time actor, and social media manager. At one point, I worked full-time as an artist in Goa, but my curiosity pushed me to study abroad and explore the global art market. Traveling to international exhibitions with my university revealed the vastness of the industry.
I believe in pushing forward because there is a seat waiting for everyone at tables they have yet to see. Being brave and moving past fears is crucial, and enjoying the journey is just as important. Progress may be slow, but patience and persistence are the keys to success.
