What do you do and what are you most proud of in your making/designing history?
I am a ceramic artist. In my work I look for patterns of growth and form and how they resonate across the natural world, including in our own physiology. I am most proud of the distance I have travelled since my first attempts on the wheel at that evening class in the late 80s. I am proud to have been elected to the Royal Society of Sculptors as well as being a member of Design Nation.
Where do you work and what materials do you prefer/get most inspired by?
I have recently moved to a beautiful purpose built eco studio on a rural idyll overlooking Sheffield city centre. I draw inspiration from being in nature and look forward to exploring my new environment. Finding parallels between the plant and animal kingdoms, and our own very material, physical, biological existence, connects and grounds us. It is fitting that I use clay to express this, a malleable, organic material that hooked me very early on at an adult evening class. I love its versatility and expressiveness and try to exploit its tactile, textural and imitative qualities to create work that looks as if sprung from nature and not made by human hand.
What do think will be important or significant for craft practice in general in the future?
For me, what is important for craft practice is to continue to break down barriers and open up possibilities of what craft can be.
What are your own aspirations for the next five years?
Over the next five years I hope to continue exploring the incorporation of non-ceramic materials, finding subtle ways to develop a sound element to the work and creating an immersive sensory installation for the visitor.
Sarah joined Design-Nation incorporating Design Factory in 216.