Designer insights with Sarah Turner

Sarah Turner is an eco artist and designer that has won numerous awards for her art that uses recycled plastic bottles, from her company Sarah Turner Eco Art & Design. She is passionate about reusing waste plastic bottles and firmly believes “rubbish doesn’t need to look like rubbish”. Sarah has a degree in Furniture and Product Design, and has had her work exhibited in London, Milan, Paris, LA and locally in Nottingham. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Sarah Turner.

Designer Insights - Sarah Turner

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

I like to think my products and sculptures are simple yet elegant and unique. I am very inspired by nature and I love the retro look, I think this is certainly shown in my work.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

It starts with the material. I take the waste material that is to be upcycled and experiment with it. I make many models with the material developing the design as I go.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

I do a lot of projects with children and I think it is them who I respect the most. It seems like every child is a designer and an artist. They are so free with their ideas and their imaginations seem to be endless. They aren’t afraid to try out new ideas, say what they think, or risk looking silly or foolish like adults often are.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

There are a number of things I do for inspiration... Go to a park and photograph/draw nature, visit a recycling plant, go to an art exhibition, travel, etc. I think you need to have a wealth of experience and interests to be a good designer or artist.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

When I first started my business I thought why not, what’s the worse that can happen and that would be my advice to anyone thinking of doing something similar. I am so glad I decided to do this 6 years ago. The places I have got to go, people I have met and opportunities I have had have been incredible. Just go for it would be my advice!