A native to Oregon, Sarah Wolf started Wolf Ceramics back in 2015 and currently produces hand thrown ceramics out of her studio in the Northwest district. Although she has always been an artist at heart, her love of the mountains called her to study geo-chemistry for her undergraduate degree. It was only after several years of exploration that she decided to forge a new path to become a ceramist and earned a BA in Ceramics at the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts.
We are delighted to have Sarah from Wolf Ceramics join our Smith’s Artist in Residence Program. This exclusive collection features a variety of Wolf mugs and a custom Smith Teamaker pitcher destined to be BFF’s with a cup of Bungalow. Read on below to learn more about Sarah and how she left one dream behind to start another.
How do you find inspiration when it seems to be lacking?
Periodically, there a lot of orders to fill and it begins to feel redundant. When that happens, I weight out an extra ball of clay and experiment with different shapes and textures. Or, I invite a few of friends to visit the studio to drink wine and help me glaze.
Who are your favorite writers?
Janette Walls and David James Duncen.
One piece of advice you would give to other creatives before leaving their full-time job to pursue their creative passions.
I found its helpful to ask yourself two questions: what is the worst-case scenario? And do I want to make money doing the thing I love? It forces you to think everything through before you make the leap.
What was the moment you knew you could do Wolf Ceramics full-time?
Summer of 2016. I won a grant from Mercy Corps, which allowed me to buy a kiln. Then I found a studio space with low overhead and the rest was history.
How did you get into ceramics?
I’ve always loved making things with my hands. I’m the daughter of a painter so growing up I had a lot of opportunity to creatively experiment. In high school, I took ceramics and it grew into a passionate hobby and now a career.
How would you describe your artistic style in three words?
Shapes, minimalism and pattern.
What does tea time mean to you?
A slow and peaceful morning with a cup of tea AND a cup of coffee.
Where do you envision Wolf Ceramics will be in the next two years?
To be totally honest, the future doesn’t feel as if it’s in my hands. Right now, I have two amazing ceramic assistants who are not only experienced in the craft but also in the art of producing the same form over and over again, which is hard to find. As much as I would love to keep them forever, my business needs to be elastic with the changes that come my way. With that said, I would like to continue building relationships with other business and create products for them.
What’s the first song on your studio playlist?
Will Smith, “Get Jiggy With It.”