Q&A with printmaker Sarah Harris

Tell us about the work you do and the types of materials you use.

I create limited edition silk screen prints from my drawings of local places of interest.

Where do you produce your work? Does your working environment form part of the inspiration for your art?

I’m lucky enough to have a studio not too far away from Saltaire which I use for the drawing, preparing paper for prints and mounting work. For printing I go to Inc Workshop in Leeds.

My studio doesn't really act as inspiration, I take this from my day to day life and things I have seen and heard about, I then get to go on day trips with my camera.

Is your art your main job?

At the moment I am a full time artist after recently receiving financial support through the New Enterprise Allowance after a period of unemployment. This has allowed me to get started and support myself while I concentrate on my work.

How did you get started?

In 2011 I took an evening class at Leeds College of Art and design to learn about printmaking techniques. After becoming unemployed I gave prints to my family for Christmas presents and was encouraged by my brother to look at selling my work, but it was a while after this that I even considered that this was something I could do.

What work will you be exhibiting at the Saltaire Arts Trail?

I will be producing a few new pieces especially for Saltaire Arts Trail, but expect a mixture of local images with subjects ranging from natural beauty spots, ruins and mills.

Do you work in any other mediums besides the work you will be exhibiting at the Arts Trail?

Not currently, but I would like to produce some lino and etching work in the future.

Where else can we see and buy your work?

My work can currently be bought at Art Parade in Saltaire, Hand Made in Bradford, Studio Seven in Otley, The Weaverbird Workshop in Ilkley, The Juju Shop in Leeds, The Craft Centre and Design Gallery in Leeds, Chirpy in Chapel Allerton and also I have Shipley Glen Tramway work at their shop close to Saltaire.

Tell us about your most exciting or memorable commission?

It’s early days for me so I have only had one commission which was to do a set of two drawings of someone’s sports cars. I’d never drawn a car before so it was an experience but I am happy with the results and it’s nice that even with a different subject type they still reflect my style of drawing. I’ve been testing my male friends to see if they can guess the cars, luckily with a good success rate so they can’t be that bad!

What was it about the Saltaire Arts Trail that made you want to apply to exhibit?

Living near to Saltaire it’s an event I always look forward to, it really is a unique location to have such an event. Even from a fairly young age I’ve wanted to support young artists and makers but never dreamt I’d be participating one day.

Have you participated or visited the Saltaire Arts Trail before?

Visited lots of times but this will be the first one I will have exhibited my work at, which is all very exciting! I will definitely be having a look round too.

What is unique about it and how does it differ from other events?

The standard of work has is always really high and a vast array of mediums and styles are on display. It’s accessibility and relaxed nature allows the public, who may be daunted by going into a gallery environment, to experience and purchase artwork in a different way, and it’s a wonderful day out.

Could you leave us with one more interesting fact about yourself or your work?

I originally studied Fashion Design at university but found the industry just wasn’t for me, then I found myself working in marketing and printmaking was just something I’d wanted to try. Strange how things work out.