Bird Cruciform 1

Sara Evans’ playful, sometimes dark, often humorous sculptures are hand built in series and most are related to their predecessors. During the making process fresh challenges always arise sparking ideas for further pieces, as well as deepening Sara’s understanding of the nature of clay.

 

Sara’s themes are psychological states and human behaviour in response or reaction to our complex, confusing and ever-changing world. Some of the work depicts animals as metaphorical stand-ins for the human condition. Stories that we tell ourselves and others, whether ‘true’ or not, is the substance of her work.

 

Alongside her sculptures, Sara has recently been exploring sculptural vessels layered with slips, underglazes and oxides. Inspired by her mixed-media sketchbook practice these forms focus on harmonizing surface decoration with the sculptural, and relate to her desire to constantly develop her work. 

 

Sara has an Honours degree in Fine Art specializing in Ceramics, and in the 1990’s she worked in production pottery at Dartington Pottery at Shinner’s Bridge. At times when Sara was unable to pursue an art-career, she worked at an organic vegetable farm, planted many thousands of trees, and learnt how to build dry-stone walls. After completing a PGCE in art, Sara taught learning disabled adults weaving, pottery, and art.

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Following many years in art education, Sara teaches weekly ceramics classes and specialised technique day workshops. Requests for commissions are welcome.

Sara is a member of Make Southwest in Bovey Tracy.

One of four cruciform vessels, two in black clay and two in terracotta, are a celebration of birds and their flight. Designs are inlaid in slip (Mishima) and burnished before a sawdust-firing. The finished vessels are buffed with beeswax to create a warm and appealing surface.

Ceramic | Terracotta Crank, Slip

16(H)x19(W)x8.5(D)cm