About Sarah
Sarah Wells Rolland lives in the Great Smokey Mountains of Western NC with her husband and daughter. She works in her studio located just down the mountain below her home.
The influence of her surroundings is easily discovered in Sarah's work. "God's creation, especially these mountains, celebrates every color in the spectrum. I work to capture these transitions and movements of color on the surface of my pots." The glazes of her pottery particularly reflect her attraction to the colors of autumn.
"When throwing pots my first concern is form. I'm captivated with the endless possibilities that clay offers. When I throw a really beautiful form, then alter its shape, carve into it, add handles, it grows into something special and visually all the elements come together to make a great pot, well that's when I love being a potter". "Growing up in a very large family, the middle child of seven, dinner was always an event. I'm sure those large serving platters we used on the dinner table have greatly influenced my work. I just naturally make big pots." These pieces are perfect for special occasions and entertaining.
Sarah makes pots that are both functional and make an aesthetic statement. "I love to use pots. Our house is full of pots, both my own and other potters. When a pot is interesting or pleasing in form, the surface is beautiful, and it functions well, to my mind that is a great pot."
Some of Sarah's work is entirely decorative in nature. "I do love making pots that ask for a special place in the house. I love carving into clay creating texture and dimension to the surface.
Sarah graduated from the ceramics program at Haywood Community College in 1988. She is a member of The Southern Highland Craft Guild and Carolina Designer Craftsmen. Sarah's work both decorative and functional is exhibited all across the United States.