Sarah Liptrot

My work is pursued mainly in wood, but also in stone, wax and clay, I design and create historically accurate architectural and heraldic ornament as well as producing figurative work and sculptural designs of my own that are derived from nature.
I draw and model my designs first although I also allow the material to speak for itself.  I prefer using hardwoods, even though yellow pine is also a favourite and I enjoy carving Caen and Portland stone.  I am based in Rochester and work in both London and Kent.
 
I have travelled extensively to places as far reaching such as Colombia, Ethiopia and the Middle East.  During these travels I have immersed myself in the cultures I have found and realised that there is a common visual language of form that I try to address in my work.  I am currently studying European styles of ornament at the City & Guilds of London Art School in Kennington, London, from where I graduate this summer (2010).  The final show is open to the public from 24th to 27th June.  I hope you can all come!

I have recently been commissioned to design, model and carve two grotesques for St George’s chapel at Windsor in limestone, one of which is complete and about to be installed.  I am currently completing a coat of arms in lime wood for the Fishmonger’s company and I have exhibited my work at the Chelsea Arts Club in London.  I hope to continue to work in the heritage sector as a traditional carver keeping the art of skilled crafts alive.
My work explores these areas:

• Architectural and decorative ornament
• Ecclesiastical carving
• Heraldry
• Figurative and ornamental relief
• Figurative and abstract sculpture
• Portraiture