Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Sarah Hanley, and I live and work in Maple Grove, Minnesota. I’m a potter, a writer, a graphic designer, and a mom of twin third-graders.
Why did you start working in this craft?
I did some pottery and ceramics in college, but at that time I really hated it. The pottery wheel was not my friend! I've worked as a print graphic designer for many years, and I had been happy putting my creativity into design and writing (I've written two novels). Several years ago, my husband and I started going to "Date Night" through the Three Rivers Park District at Silverwood Park. It included a clay project, and it was always fun. When Date Night shut down for the pandemic, I started to get twitchy! I hadn't realized how much I loved getting my fingers in clay. I bought some clay to play with at home, then some tools and glazes. I made peace with the pottery wheel and bought one for my basement, along with a kiln. I have Date Night to thank for all of this!
Have you always been passionate about art and design?
Yes. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an artist, but I always hated the "starving artist" stereotype. If I tried to get away from art, though, it always pulled me back in! I went to college hoping for an engineering degree (because I also really love physics and science), but I still ended up graduating with an art degree. I have worked as a graphic designer for more than twenty years, and I love studying art history. No matter what I do, art is always in my blood.
What motivates you to create?
I'm not sure exactly what it is, but when I'm in a dark place, I have to create something to feel better. Just building something out of clay centers my mind and gives me peace. It's like a form of therapy! If it wasn't clay, it would certainly be something else creative—making things is what keeps me going!
What is the latest thing you have been working on?
I really just go with whatever I feel like making on any particular day, but my newest obsession is butter dishes. I make both wheel-thrown butter dishes that are round with a dome, and hand-built dishes that are more rectangular. The domed dishes are really fun—I love trimming that beautiful round shape on the wheel. The hand-built dishes are great, too, since they can be a really good canvas for fun textures. And, you know, butter is awesome.
What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
Color! I love working with all kinds of colors—rainbows, stripes, ombré, solids, colors that break over texture… the bold colors of my booth always seem to attract people like bees to flowers!
Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
I’m making some winter/holiday tree luminaries and some peppermint-striped mugs and cups. I may have some other holiday items, too. Stay tuned!
Sarah Hanley Pottery
www.sarahhanley.com/pottery
www.instagram.com/sarahhanley100
www.facebook.com/sarahhanleypottery