Sarah Bartlem

Sarah Bartlem’s pottery journey began in 2010, after a long career as a graphic designer. Despite her passion for design, she felt something was missing, realising that working exclusively on a computer had distanced her from the tactile connection between hands and heart that fuelled her creativity.

Eager to reconnect with the physical process of making, Sarah sought out a potter to teach her the basics of wheel throwing. It was a transformative experience, one that felt like coming home. After a year of evening pottery classes at a local university, she invested in her own wheel and kiln, beginning a journey she hasn’t looked back on since.

Inspired by the Japanese aesthetic of simplicity and organic shapes, Sarah’s work embraces the beauty of imperfection. Whether wheel-thrown or hand-built, her pieces share a cohesive, harmonious quality. She takes joy in grouping her creations, exploring how they complement one another.

Sarah’s practice is ever-evolving, driven by experimentation with form, texture, and glaze techniques. While always pushing her work to new levels, she remains rooted in the idea of practicality. For Sarah, creating beautiful, handmade items that can be used in everyday life is at the heart of her craft