Sara journeyed through multiple mediums in the art world before finding her place amongst potters. As a child, she made signs, drew pictures and cards for family and friends and made designs raking the leaves in the yard. Studying at Youngstown State University the focus was on oil painting with a magnetism towards teaching art to children. After some time working as a teacher in various types of studios and classrooms, Sara attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa to finish her Bachelor’s degree. It was there that she took her first pottery class. The love for the art form was immediate. Shortly after classes began, a friend invited Sara to a pottery class on Hickam Air Force Base. This was where she met her mentor, Sally Murchison. Studying with Sally was an experience that truly helped to shape the views and ideals that dominate her work today. After leaving the island of O’ahu, there was time spent teaching ceramic classes before moving on to exclusively making pots to sell at local markets. All of her pieces are made with the intent to be held, used and loved in everyday life.

Inspiration comes from the many places Sara has called home. Being an outdoor enthusiast influences almost all decisions along the way. Pops of color remind of the joys of spring and fall, which were stunning in northeast Ohio, where she grew up. Bright, bold colors that jump out are reminiscent of the designs found on Hawaiian fabrics and leis where she fell in love with island life. The undulations in glaze flow that are directed by lines left from fingers on the clay give hints of the hills and valleys in southeast Virginia. The soft, transparent blues and greens can only be a tale of the pristine waters in our Gulf, though nothing captures the turquoise color perfectly. It is in these little ways that the journey shows up in every single piece that is made.