Ceramic artist and workshop leader Sarah Monk is feeling optimistic. ‘I love springtime. As a maker, I’m always moving forward, developing something new. My designs are never the same. I’m forever reinventing. Spring brings brighter colours and that is reflected in my work. Yellow features a lot in my new range, plus floral motifs, which I’ll be exhibiting at Craft Festival Cheltenham this month,’ says Sarah.
She creates her handmade ceramics from Eastnor Pottery on the Eastnor Castle Estate near Ledbury where, with her husband John, they also host pottery workshops and course.
‘Our workshop setting is gorgeous with views of the Malvern Hills. The rural setting has fed my creativity. I can see British Camp, an old fort, from my pottery window. It’s just lovely,’ says Sarah, who makes distinctive, unique ceramic pieces for the home
Nature-inspired work by ceramic artist Sarah Monk ‘I get lost in making. I work creating small batches, little flurries of objects. Each piece is different. I’m a country potter, I make slipware. You can use my work, it’s quirky and fun too, and highly decorative – with sgraffito scratched effects and flower motifs. I make lots of different pieces from egg cups to huge vases and flower bricks, plates, cups, and saucers. If you love your craft, it’s lovely to share it with people – the only show I do each year now is Craft Festival Cheltenham,’ said adds.
Sarah has been selected to exhibit again at Craft Festival Cheltenham which returns to the beautiful surroundings of Cheltenham Town Hall March 21 to 23. At this popular event, a hundred professional makers from across the UK will gather to exhibit and sell their work, each selected for the quality and originality of their craft. Expect live craft demonstrations, a workshop programme, live talks from leading makers and authors including Kate Humble, plus free craft activities for children combine to create an action-packed creative day out. Last year over 2,500 visitors visited over the festival weekend.
March 21 to 23, Cheltenham Town Hall. Tickets online from £7; children under 18 enter free with an adult ticket holder. craftfestival.co.uk/cheltenham
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