Fabulous Finds: Sarah Jane
oook presents:
Profile 4 of 4 of Fabulous Finds Artisan Vendors
#3: Sarah Jane
After graduating from the Materials Arts program at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) in 2006, Sarah Jane and her fiancé wanted a change of scenery, and decided to head west to Kelowna. While in school, Sarah Jane took part in numerous shows and sales around Toronto showcasing her textile and sculptural based work. Recently her focus has shifted back to jewelry design, and her and her fiancé Brett pool their talents for their business, Ugly Bunny. Brett has a background in architecture, and with Sarah Jane’s design skills, their recent body of work is made by using laser-cutting technique to transform original sketches and designs onto wood and other alternative materials. Their goal is to be able to produce an affordable line of handmade/designed pieces of jewellery that can be enjoyed by everyone without sacrificing quality.
Ugly Bunny is going to have a table at Fabulous Finds on March 30th and 31st. This is what Sarah Jane has to say about the event:
SO: What do you think about Fabulous Finds?
SJ: Fabulous finds is a great way for artists to showcase their work and to be able to interact with the community. It is also a fantastic way for me as creator/artist to be able to meet and socialize and network with artists of all different disciplines.
SO: What impact do you think Fabulous Finds has on the crafters and artisans in the area?
SJ: I think that Fabulous finds acts as not only a great social event for Kelowna but it is also creates a sense of community within the Okanagan art world and brings all types of creators and designers together under one roof.
SO: How has it impacted you own work and business?
SJ: Since moving to the Okanagan I have been so fortunate to have met and to be surrounded by such truly creative and inspiring people who generally love what they do. After each show I always feel completely re-charged and excited for what is next. Sometimes it is so easy to get lost in my day-to-day routine and to lose sight of my goals and dreams. Participating in a show like Fabulous Finds is a great way to keep me motivated and helps to nourish my creative side.
SO: What are your thoughts on making a living as a crafter / artisan in the Okanagan?
SJ: Even though I have been actively showing and selling my work for years, I have always worked a day job to help supplement my income to help pay the bills (including my giant student loan… ha ha ha). Since I love what I do, it makes the early mornings, long nights and busy weekends worth it. I am also fortunate to have a very accommodating employer who never hesitates when I need time off for a show or need to leave early so that I can meet a huge deadline.
SO: Do you think it is easy or harder to concentrate on your art practice as a business in the Okanagan?
SJ: I do not necessarily think that it makes it harder or easier to practice your art as a business in the Okanagan. If you are truly passionate on what you do, then you find a way to make it a part of your life no matter where you are living.
SO: How else and where else do you sell your work?
SJ: I currently sell my items in Kelowna at Funktional (downtown Bernard) as well at few stores in Toronto. I also started an online Etsy store last May, which has been a great way for me to display and sell my work outside of North America.
