Saratoga Sake (Saw-Key)
Born in 1969 in El Paso, Texas, two-time EMMY award winning artist Sake, began his art career with inspiration from New York City’s subway graffiti. Sake was one of the first graffiti artists in San Diego County at the age of twelve. Sake, the last in a long list of nom de plumes, with his stylized lettering and characters inspired hundreds of kids across San Diego County to pick up the spray can as a medium to create art. Sake's reputation as a serious artist grew out of respect for his technical skill, creating his first portrait with spray paint in 1986. He continued his quest for detail and realism with spray paint. Eventually Sake gained the attention of the San Diego art scene, taking home two EMMY awards for his portrait work for the Fox network. Sake has been included in over 50 gallery and museum shows. Distinction will feature a solo show of Sake’s paintings in July of 2008.

Sake currently resides in Spring Valley, CA with his wife Stacey, son Miles and Sky dog.

Artist’s Statement

My subject matter is a mix of memories of my childhood, family photos and stories, music, Valiant heroes of WWI and WWII, finding photos of old lovers, spooky looking dames from the Victorian era, and my much-loved eras of the 1900’s thru the 50’s. I get my ideas from mindless sketching on napkins at Coffey houses, sleepless nights, browsing flea markets and antique stores, lovely ladies strolling by, my son Miles ramblings and doings, conversations with family and friends, yearly visits to my parents home town of Saratoga Springs, NY.            

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