In the vibrant world of contemporary craft, few artisans capture the essence of sustainable elegance quite like Sarah Tector of S. Tector Metals.
Photo: Sarah Tector, Jenny Fong, Sarah's sister Cathy Keith.
We've been friends since 2018 having met at the American Craft Council show in Baltimore. We had a blast catching up and finding out what's new and next for her this year. Join us!
Meet the Artist
Based in Raleigh, NC, Sarah has been making waves in the jewelry world with her unique blend of modern design and eco-conscious practices. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Sarah for an enlightening conversation about her craft, her inspirations, and her exciting plans for the future.
The Art of Sustainable Jewelry
Sarah's journey into the world of metalsmithing is as fascinating as her creations. "I've always been drawn to the intersection of art and functionality," Sarah shared during our chat.
photo: Powder coated earrings. photo credit: Sarah Tector
Her pieces, ranging from sleek geometric earrings to bold statement necklaces, are a testament to this philosophy. What sets Sarah's work apart is her unwavering commitment to sustainability. "Every piece I create is a reflection of my respect for the environment," she explained.
Sarah sources her materials ethically, often using recycled metals and responsibly sourced gemstones. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also adds a layer of meaning to each piece.
photo: Powder coated lighting. photo credit: Sarah Tector
Photo: Sarah's studio inspo and work in progress. Photo credit: Sarah Tector
She walked us through her studio and showed us her main bench and soldering bench.
Deep Community of Metal Smithing in Raleigh
Sarah went to East Carolina University which is a great feeder school that has helped develop a great community of metal smiths. She says that everyone has their own style and are open to sharing workload or collaborating with each other. She says there are "easily 30 artists" active in the community.
Photo: Sarah's tools for metalsmithing Photo credit: Sarah Tector
The Penland Experience
Perhaps the most exciting news Sarah shared with us is her upcoming residency at the renowned Penland School of Craft. Starting in January 2025, Sarah will be immersing herself in this creative haven for two intensive weeks: "While at Penland I'll be working on for a big solo show in October in Richmond, VA ," Sarah said, her eyes lighting up. "The show is called Overgrown, a concept that highlights things that were dropped in nature and mother nature is claiming them again."
The residency, known for fostering innovation and artistic growth, is sure to bring fresh inspiration to Sarah's already impressive body of work.
During her time at Penland, "I'm going to be upcycling old silverware ," she shared. She'll melt them down and create new pieces, "new little rings, bracelets". This aligns perfectly with Penland's commitment to advancing equity and innovation in the craft field2.
Gearing Up for American Craft Made
As Sarah prepares for the upcoming American Craft Made market in Baltimore, she gave us a sneak peek into what attendees can expect. "I'm bringing a collection that celebrates the beauty of simplicity," Sarah revealed.
Her latest pieces feature clean lines and minimalist designs that speak volumes without saying a word.
The Future of Craft
As our conversation drew to a close, we couldn't help but ask Sarah about her vision for the future of American craft. "I see a future where craft and sustainability are inseparable," she mused. "Where every piece tells a story not just of beauty, but of responsibility."Sarah's work embodies this vision. Each piece she creates is not just an accessory, but a statement – a commitment to conscious consumption and timeless style.
As she prepares for her Penland residency and the American Craft Made market, we can't wait to see how her artistry will evolve and inspire.
For those eager to see Sarah's work in person, mark your calendars for the American Craft Made market in Baltimore, find her at Booth 561.
And for a more intimate look at Sarah's creative process and her thoughts on sustainable jewelry, don't miss our exclusive video interview below.
Sarah Tector's journey is a shining example of how contemporary craft can be both beautiful and responsible. As we look forward to her future creations, one thing is clear: the world of American craft is brighter with artists like Sarah leading the way.
Did you enjoy this interview? Who is inspiring you these days? drop a comment below.
