Sarah Purvey

Artist Sarah Purvey, based in South West England, is a celebrated ceramicist and illustrator whose work is represented by galleries both nationally and internationally. After graduating in 1991, Sarah worked on various collections and exhibitions, before returning to Bath Spa University in 2009 to complete a MA in Ceramics. Sarah’s work explores personal emotional landscape through drawing. Working on both paper and in clay during the making process, each piece carries an emotional charged connection to time and place.

Maker's Story

Artist Sarah Purvey, based in South West England, is a celebrated ceramicist and artist whose work is represented by galleries both nationally and internationally. After graduating in 1991, Sarah worked on various collections and exhibitions, before returning to Bath Spa University in 2009 to complete a MA in Ceramics. Sarah’s work explores personal emotional landscape through drawing. Working on both paper and in clay during the making process, each piece carries an emotional charged connection to time and place.

Maker's Quote

“Through my drawings I aim to express the chaos of my mind and the rhythm of my soul. Drawing allows me to speak in my own language whether it's on paper or clay. I draw from what's around me pulling on emotional and physical connections to time and landscape. It is all about that moment, that connection, that place that just allows me to be.”

Sarah Purvey, Artist

The Process

Each ceramic piece is coiled with heavily grogged stoneware. Visible from within the form, each coil applied leaves a trace of the process behind, revealing the rhythm of the build. While the clay is still raw and at its most responsive and energised, the piece is painted with coloured slips before being fired. Sarah draws onto the surface of each piece, revealing and concealing the emotional connections made. No two pieces created are ever the same.