Let’s Talk. Sarah Nedovic Gaunt
The photography you see in this article is taken by the talented Josh Robenstone.
Introducing Sarah Nedovic Gaunt to our most recent let’s talk, reading material.
Drawing inspiration from abstract, figurative sculpture, Sarah creates the most beautiful and unique candle holders and lamps. Experimenting with form and function, each handmade piece is totally unique and fired full of character. We love that Sarah leaves her bare finger and tool markings and imperfections in the soil. She is down to earth and a true creator.
We hope you enjoy getting to know more about Sarah and the processes and thoughts behind her artistry.
Where are you from and where are you based now?
I am Australian, living in Melbourne. My studio is next to the Botanical gardens, so the area has a lovely feeling.
Tell us a fun fact about you?
We grew up with a rooster called killer in the backyard of our suburban home. When we sold our house, we sold ‘killer’ with it, because we couldn’t catch him the day we moved out.
When did you start working with ceramics and are you self-taught or did you learn from someone else? If so, who?
I started working with ceramics about 3 years ago. I enrolled in a semester of life sculpture (sculpting a nude model out of clay). I think working with clay with a sculptural base really broadened my view of what was possible with ceramics. After a short semester, I jumped into creating pieces at home. I was obsessed and creating any spare moment I had.
Tell us what your average working day looks like?
My studio is walking distance from home, which is very handy. I will often walk in the gardens with my son, grab a coffee then head into the studio.
My days are structured in the studio. There are weekly drop off and collections to clients, lampshade manufacturers and the kiln where I fire my lamps. The making process is also very structured, a lamp takes roughly a week to make by hand before it commences it’s drying and firing phase. We have an agenda that is updated regularly to keep our Studio humming and on track.
How would you define your style of work and how did it develop?
I would say I am a sculptural artist who is currently working with clay. My style would be timeless (which is always important when buying art) elegant, considered, harmonious and feminine. I don’t think my style has changed that much; I don’t follow trends. The work I create is how I am feeling in the moment.
“look for a gap in the market and try to create something that is unique. i think people are really drawn to craft and handmade pieces at the moment. this makes for a really exciting time for emerging artists. just pick up a notepad, pen, glass of wine and see what you come up with.”
Does your personality come through in the types of pieces you create?
I only design pieces that I would have in my own home. So there is definitely a strong sense of my own personal style and personality coming through in each piece.
How do you start your creative process?
I always start the creative process by sketching, lots of little sketches that are constantly being refined and resolved. I could come back to the same concept many times over months and then one day with a final tweak, the design feels right.
Do you listen to a podcast or a particular type of music when you are creating? If so, would you be happy to share a couple of your go-to’s?
Yes absolutely! Music really sets the mood in the studio. I like to listen to slow, relaxing music when I am creating, recently I have been listening to classical music for babies. Which is a funny thing to admit, but when my toddler is having trouble sleeping, we play it to him. That is just what has been on my radar at the moment. But when I am looking for something more uplifting, I have been listing to Barack Obama’s 2020 Summer Playlist - it’s great, lots of upbeat classics and some new music with great rhythm.
I have also recently discovered that the National Gallery of Victoria has an account on Spotify. This gallery is a regular go-to for me and they have curated lots of inspiring playlists that relate to previous or current exhibitions.
We all have days where we feel less inspired than others and need something to get our creative juices flowing. What is your secret?
When I want to get my creative juices flowing, I like to refer to my notebook which has little notes and design sketches in it. My notebook is a place where I dump ideas and anything that inspires me. Sometimes I will come back to an idea or design that I wrote down 6 to 12 months ago. It’s a great little reminder to myself and I find that my ideas will often link together and I won’t realise it until they are written down.
If my sketch pad doesn’t work, I will just walk away and have a drink. Sometimes you just need to take the pressure off yourself and creativity will start to flow!
Your work is very inspiring. What tips would you give to someone who wants to start working with ceramics?
Look for a gap in the market and try to create something that is unique. I think people are really drawn to craft and handmade pieces at the moment. This makes for a really exciting time for emerging artists. Just pick up a notepad, pen, glass of wine and see what you come up with.
I can imagine the question our readers would like to ask is, do you ship to the UK and Europe?
Our Studio offers international packaging, shipping and insurance. A very large proportion of the pieces we sell are to International clients, which is incredibly exciting.
How do you think that one of your designs could change a room?
I think light and lighting has a huge impact on any room. On the mood and the overall environment. When creating for a space, I always consider the combination of sculpture and function – how the piece is seen both in natural and unnatural light.
What is next for Sarah Nedovic Gaunt?
I am experimenting working with different materials at the moment. This will complement my current work, but also, allow me to push my creative skills which is very exciting! I am always creating and am looking forward to launching many more collections this year.
