Sarah bemus

Hometown: Kamuela, HI

Current Residence: San Clemente ,CA

What is something personal you’d like to share about yourself?

I have two kids, my pug Myrtle, and a pretty cool husband.

How did you find ceramics?

I always knew I’d end up working with clay, but didn’t expect it to happen this soon. After stepping back from being a full-time employee, I signed up for a class at Muddy’s in Santa Ana and found myself wanting to learn everything about the ceramics process - techniques, clay bodies, glaze formulation and the overall chemistry of ceramics. Hungry for more education, I enrolled in ceramics classes at Saddleback College and realized quickly that my newfound passion was here to stay. With the support of my family and guidance from my pottery peers and the crew at Saddleback, I built this little studio where I am able to continue to learn and enjoy the world of ceramics.

Who are your influences?

Heath Ceramics, Forrest Lesch-Middleton, Laura Haight, Bobby Free, Billy al Bengston, and Ken Price. I’m also a fan of the abstract expressionist artists from the 1950s.

How would you describe your work?

I love functional pottery and the idea that a unique piece of art can and should be used in the daily routines of our lives. Everything tastes better out of a handmade vessel! I enjoy studying how the intricacies of form and application of texture, patterns and color can improve and enhance our life experiences.

Why do you love/what do you love about ceramics?

Nothing feels better than creating something with your hands. I love the tangibility of ceramics and how with functional pottery, observers are invited to touch, feel and connect with a vessel.

If you had to choose one, Handbuilding or Wheel-Throwing? Why?

I’m partial to wheel-throwing because that’s what I’ve been focused on over the years. However, I’m having fun learning more about hand-building because of the infinite possibilities it offers with asymmetrical forms.