There’s a special kind of magic that happens when words from a beloved book take root in your mind and linger long after the final page is turned, looping over and over again like a song stuck in your head. Some quotes aren't just phrases strung together—they hold a power that can reach deep into your soul. When this happens to me, it usually means a painting is brewing.
This is especially true of Sarah J. Maas' work. Whether you've read her books or plan to (because you should plan to), I'm sure you can appreciate her regular use of common themes: female strength, resilience, and hope with an important nature element, making them perfect sources of painting inspiration.
Recently, Sarah J. Maas' writing has sparked a creative surge within me. Her powerful lines have inspired a series of paintings that have also deeply moved other fans of her work.
Take, for instance, "Some things are more important than fear" (from A Court of Silver Flames). This quote speaks to the courage we must summon when fear tries to hold us back, because there are so many things more important than fear. In my painting, I captured the whimsical rendition of the book’s setting, the sacred mountain of Ramiel above Velaris, and the flowing nature captures a hint of Sidra, the ancient sapphire river that flows below it. The message is clear: fear can exist, but so can bravery, and some things in life demand we step beyond that fear and do the things we are called to do.
"You could rattle the stars" (from Throne of Glass) was another piece that called to me. The natural elements that make beautiful night skies and mountain silhouettes, the stars, the moon. This quote speaks of the limitless possibilities within us if we only dare to reach for them.
Then there's "I am the rock against which the surf crashes. Nothing can break me.” (from A Court of Silver Flames). This was the most challenging. Each time the quote echoed in my head I saw a tall cliff, shaped like a woman, beaten by the storm but standing mighty among the waves. This quote symbolizes unshakeable resilience—a reflection of Maas' ability to instill strength through her words. This painting is for all the women who have endured the unbearable and choose not to be broken.
Finally, as you can tell, Maas frequently uses the night sky to deliver her most poignant messages to the reader. "A star is only visible because of the darkness" (from A Court of Mist and Fury) highlights how we wouldn’t truly appreciate or notice the brilliant and positive aspects of life without the contrast of hardship, negativity, and darkness. This quote shines with hope. In my painting, the moon and stars cuts through the night sky, illuminating the land below—a reminder that our darkest times make the bright ones burn brighter.
I am overwhelmed and so grateful for the response from other Sarah J. Maas fans. These words, paired with art, have become powerful reminders of strength, hope, and resilience for many and helped them get through serious struggles and hardship. For me, this is the beauty of both books and art—they give life to feelings we sometimes can’t quite express with words alone. And for the biggest of SJM fans, having her words eternalized in art on their walls are reminders and trophies of our individual strength and the beautiful impact of books on who we are.
The original paintings, prints, and even digital downloads are available for most of these paintings. They make excellent décor for reading nooks, libraries, and spaces where SJM fans hang out. You could also get one as a gift for your favorite SJM fan this holiday season. Shop the exclusive SJM Collection here.