sarah jane therese
About
About me
For the past ten years, I have enjoyed making with colour, paint and clay. My creative journey has been primarily self taught, through regular practice and experimentation. I have also periodically studied colour and design, surface design and visual arts at diploma level. I would describe myself as an emerging artist and happily became a finalist in the North Qld Ceramics Award in 2022 and Siliceous ceramics awards in 2021.
My art is usually colourful and detailed, often inspired by nature in the grounds of my studio at Quixotica Art Space on the Sunshine Coast. This property is owned by my partner, Rowley Drysdale, one of Australia’s leading ceramic artists and educators. I manage the coordination of workshops, exhibitions and all aspects of administration and marketing there.
Whilst my early art career was focussed on drawing and painting, I am currently immersed in ceramics, and decorating the surfaces with the ancient ceramic art of sgraffito. I enjoy planning the designs and then drawing them on my wheel thrown pieces. This is followed by many hours of detailed work with underglaze, paint brushes and stylus tools. This technique combines all the creative processes I enjoy most - drawing, painting and ceramics.
When I am not making my own art, I also utilise my business and organisational skills helping to organise art events for others in the Noosa artistic community, having been Vice President of the Noosa Arts & Crafts Association and President of Noosa Open Studios. I was recently the co-ordinator for a community pop up gallery in Cooroy. I am also Vice President for Australian Wood Firers United.
Consistent amongst all my creations is a love for colour, details, flowers and nature. Creating brings me much joy, and I hope it brings some of the same to those who engage with my art.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
North Qld Ceramics Award - Finalist Townsville 2022
Siliceous – Ceramics Arts Qld - Finalist Cooroy, Sunshine Coast 2021
Martin Hansen Memorial Art Awards Gladstone, Qld 2019/20/21
Quixotica Art Space Cooroy, Sunshine Coast 2019/20/21
Pop Up Art Exhibition Cooroy,Sunshine Coast 2020
Lindfield Art Show Sydney 2015
Kings School Art Show Sydney 2014
Kings School Art Show Sydney 2013
Art for the Heart Melbourne 2013
EDUCATION
TAFE, East Coast Qld, Nambour, Qld Certificate III – Visual Arts 2016
International School of Colour & Design, Sydney Diploma – Surface Design 2014
International School of Colour & Design, Sydney Diploma – Graphic Design (part) 2013
International School of Colour & Design, Sydney Certificate IV - Colour & Design 2012
University of Melbourne Bachelor of Arts 1978
CURRENT ROLE
Quixotica Art Space Marketing & Administration Manager 2018 - current
COMMUNITY ART ROLES
Australian Wood Firers United Vice President 2019 – current
Noosa Open Studios President 2018
Noosa Arts & Crafts Association Vice President 2017
Noosa Open Studios Marketing Manager 2017
PREVIOUS CAREER HISTORY
YUM Cashmere Founder, Owner – online fashion business 2012 - 2016
pink zebra Founder, Owner – boutique fashion business – 5 stores 2005 - 2012
Colorado Group Non Executive Director - retail chain – 350 stores 2006
Mambo Graphics C.E.O. – international surf wear business 2004
OPSM Group General Manager Aus/ NZ - 300 stores 2002 – 2003
Esprit General Manager Aus/ NZ– fashion retail – 120 store 1989 – 2002
Holeproof Marketing Manager – Australian underwear brand 1987 – 1989
Sheridan Textiles Senior Product Manager – Australian home textiles 1985 – 1987
Myer Department manager & Graduate Trainee 1982 – 1985