Made in Scotland: Sarah Kay Arts
This month we are heading up north to meet Sarah Kay, an artist on Shetland who creates seascapes, beach scenes and aurora inspired pieces in resin, sea glass, shells and other found objects. Read on to meet Sarah and see some of her superb designs, available for you now on her website.
Sarah at work in Shetland
Can you tell us how your business got started?
I got started 6 years ago with the idea for my Washing line pictures! As a keen beach comber I have a fabulous collection of sea glass and sea pottery and was looking for an original way of using them. I incorporated painting a landscape with adding on my beach treasures. I started to number them after approx 30, I’m now on 215! They have sold all around the world.
Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products?
All of my products are inspired by living in The Shetland Islands.
Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?
I make a variety of products and artwork, specialising in resin. I cast resin into moulds to create a range of smaller jewellery pieces as well as buttons, keyrings and keepsakes. I add shells, flowers, sand and other organics into resin as well as mica, colours and sparkles. My seascape artwork is made my mixing colours into resin, then pouring it onto a wood board. Each piece of artwork is several layers to achieve the effect I want, for example white lace waves are made by adding alcohol ink into the resin.
What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?
My seascape artwork is very popular and I love them too. Each one is original as is every wave in the sea. My beach keyrings are also extremely popular as the have real beach finds incorporated and are very tactile. I spend time collecting the very prettiest shells to use in my creations.
If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?
I would recommend a visit to The Mousa Broch. It is the only intact Broch left in Europe and is fantastic! A round building with a mysterious past, located on the island of Mousa it makes a great day out.
Which other Scottish Makers do you love to recommend?
I like Esme Wilcock Jewellery made in Shetland. Also Allison Moore designs in Orkney (especially her underwater collection).
Made in Scotland: Esme Wilcock
Thanks so much to Sarah for taking the time to chat with us about her delightful designs! Make sure to check out her Website, Facebook and Instagram to find out more and get shopping for any occasions you have coming up!