A section of an experimental book, torn paper & machine stitch
Biog
I make books and work in cut paper, incorporating a range of different processes and technologies. My primary tool is a surgical scalpel; using just the point of the blade and very little pressure, it feels just like drawing. I combine paper cutting with making books, painting, printing and stitching them, making unique books as well as multiples and editions. My range of pieces includes framed paper-cuts which are often hand-painted and layered; I love text and frequently work to commission incorporating text from special occasions for clients. I’m inspired by poetry and text of all sorts; I’m also obsessed with a 1945 film called ‘I Know Where I’m Going’ (made by the wonderful team of Powell & Pressburger) and snippets of the script trickle through lots of my pieces.
My path to this has not been straightforward ! After years working as a solicitor I was desperate for a creative outlet and went back to college to do an Art Foundation year; I had a wonderful time and especially enjoyed textiles so followed this with a degree in Embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University. This was a marvellous opportunity to take a very broad view of textiles and stitch and I came out of the degree course making books and working in paper, often treating it like a fabric and applying embroidery techniques to it.
I now work in a studio in a wooden barn in the heart of Northumberland - you’ll find lots of the imagery I use comes from the landscape that surrounds me. I’m out every day with my dog and often with a camera and a sketchbook. Drawing is a really important part of my work and underpins everything that I make.
I’ve exhibited my work at Origin in 2010 and 2011 and also been a participant at Art in Action; my recent exhibitions include a solo show at An Tobar in Mull and a commission for the North Yorkshire Open Studios at the Georgian Theatre in Richmond.
60 second interview
Q: What is your favourite colour?A: GreyQ: Who first inspired you to start making/ creating and what words of advice did they give you?A: It was probably my grandma - she taught me to knit. I didn't realise it but as she was German she taught me the continental method of knitting which is really quick so I was very fortunate ! My Mum too was a huge source of inspiration; as she was an art teacher there was no shortage of projects for me in the holidays. I don't remember any particular words of advice but she really taught me to try to look at a piece objectively and to experiment widely. Never be satisfied too soon !Q: Where and when do you most like to work?A: I'm really lucky as I work in my favourite place - a wooden barn on the side of my Mum's house in Northumberland. I love working in here - it's completely quiet and the views are amazing ! As to when - I'm a bit of a workaholic so my problem is stopping !Q: Which season of the year most inspires you?A: AutumnQ: What can't you work without?A: A pencil, ruler, scalpel and a piece of paper. Q: Whose work do you most admire?A: I love painters such as Paul Nash, Ravilious, Bawden, Sutherland, sculptors like Barbara Hepworth; Illustrators such as Rackham, David Gentleman, Kathleen Hale, Mark Hearld...much of my inspiration comes from writing too - poets and playwrights like Shakespeare, John Donne, Andrew Marvell...(I could go on !)Q: What is your favourite piece of fiction and why?A: A film called "I Know Where I'm Going". Made in 1945 by Powell & Pressburger, I've found it an endless source of inspiration. As well as being a beautifully made film, it makes me think about fate, about stories that shape us and about the landscape - a sense of place. Q: What do you do to relax?A: Walk my lovely old collie/alsation cross rescue dog and work my way through a lot of boxed sets of sci-fi programmes !Q: Describe your artistic style in 3 words. A: Precise, decorative, resonant.
Sarah
has
2
followers. Here's what some of them say:
"I have just bought my second piece from Sarah. The first was for me and my husband and the second is for friends. It's the 'My true love hath my heart. I have his'. 9 small hearts each in a small square in one larger square. It's so pretty and the words are half hidden in the other shapes so not too obvious. I have the grey background which is lovely and subtle but I have bought the deep pink for my friend which is bold and cheerful. Keep spreading the love Sarah!"
A,
05/05/2013
"I bought the Spring Scene a couple of weeks ago as a gift for my girlfriend...she loves it, and it looks amazing on her window ledge.
I was looking for something a bit unique, that you can't buy in every shop, and Sarah's art is just that!
Thank you!"
Craig,
16/02/2013
Three days work compressed into 30 seconds !