Meet Sarah
I am a full time elementary art teacher and potter living and making pots in Annapolis, Maryland. She makes wheel-thrown and slab-built pottery inspired by her illustrations and my surroundings. She has a Master’s degree in the Business of Art and Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art and has been making pottery since high school. Sarah loves to read, travel, and spend time with her family. She lives with her husband, two children, two dogs and two studio rabbits, who make occassional appearances on her Instagram page.
Artist’s Statement.
People have an intrinsic need to make things every day as a way to center themselves and connect with each other and the world. Working with clay, with the literal dirt beneath our feet, grounds us in a way no other medium can. It reminds us where we come from and where we belong.
My Story. I was first introduced to clay in high school, and returned to it later in life when my son was little. I took a pottery class for some ‘me’ time, and my love for the art form quickly turned into a ‘what if…’ dream that became Joyful Clay, founded the spring of 2014.
Getting started. We built a 6ft by 8ft shed in our backyard, wired it, and squeezed a wheel and a kiln in there. Joyful Clay provided me the freedom to earn an income and stay home with my two small children.
In 2016, things became out of hand with pottery taking over the house and we found a home nearby that had a detached garage perfect for a studio. We’ve been there since and consider it to be the best block on the planet.
From the start, I have sold my work online (Amazon and Etsy) and in person at my local farmers market and periodically at nearby events. I create custom work and sell wholesale as well.
Today. In 2021, I graduated with my Master’s in the Business of Art and Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art (another dream of mine since high school). I’d love to take that business knowledge and apply it toward creating an online course for future artrepreneurs (art+entrepreneur= artrepreneur). The call to teach has been strong, and I currently work full time as a public school elementary art teacher.
I absolutely love pottery and making things, and when I’m not in my studio, I’m still thinking about it or what to make next— looking for inspiration anywhere and everywhere. Thanks for visiting!