Artist puts a gloss on credit woes with glass design firm

By reporter02 janine heath @thepostandtimes.co.uk

ARTIST Sarah Myatt is battling the credit crunch with her unusual approach to glass making.

Sarah is a glass designer from Cheddleton and works hard to create handmade pieces from her studio in Fountain street, Leek.

The 31-year-old first fell in love with art when she studied for an A-Level in the subject at Westwood Sixth Form, gaining an A grade.

Inspired by teacher Jane Barr, Sarah went on to study a foundation art course at Newcastle-under-Lyme College.

Knowing this was what she wanted to do in life, she then went to several university open days before enrolling in the Design and Applied Arts course at Wolverhampton University.

This enabled her to specialise in 3D design and glass.

Sarah, who also works part-time at the Peak Weavers hotel in King Street, Leek, said: "It has been a hobby ever since I graduated from university in 2000. I then took the plunge to become self-employed and set up my workshop in June last year."

Using kiln forming techniques, Sarah combines glass and different metals to produce jewellery, hangings, bowls, framed artwork and cards.

The pieces that feature copper, silver and gold, employ traditional and contemporary techniques such as etching to add depth and pattern.

She added: "A bowl can take up to four days in the kiln, while other items such as jewellery take around a day and a half. Creating jewellery is my favourite as I love the different colours and the fact that each piece turns out so different from the one before."

Her designs feature simple motifs and patterns such as hearts and stars that are suitable for all occasions. She also likes to follow trends to make her designs fashionable.

Sarah's work can be found at a variety of locations including The Gallery on Broad Street and Serendipity on Fountain Street but her main passion is for art markets.

Even though recent months have been tough for small traders, the build up to Christmas saw Sarah rushed off her feet showcasing her work every weekend at the markets.

Some businesses are feeling the effects of the downturn in the economy.

But Sarah said: "I'm not too panicked, I'm going to go for it and see what happens. February was a tough month for me but I've made contacts at the art fayres that have been making some large orders."

Having support from Women In Rural Enterprise (WiRE) has also helped Sarah to look to the future.

WiRE run workshops in business and book keeping as well as give advice and support when needed.

Sarah attended their three day business programme and also benefited from their advice on accounting.

Gill Edmonds, adviser at WiRE said: "We offer a personal bespoke service that supports small traders like Sarah for the first twelve months after their launch. We are all delighted to hear that Sarah has successfully launched her business during such a difficult time."

The next art market featuring Sarah's designs is at the Buxton Pavilion on March 14-15.