Sarah Diver Lang

I am a designer maker with 10 years experience working and exhibiting in Scotland. I aim to make work which is a reflection of our heritage and design past using both traditional and digital techniques. I make work which showcases art's ability to care for our environment and work with people to co-create public art and craft pieces which can inspire and instil pride.

Q&A

Artist Statement

I create homewares sustainably using natural materials and processes. My textiles are hand dyed, printed and constructed in my studio in Glasgow using Irish linen, hemp or organic cottons with natural inks and dyes from British suppliers. I’m a designer maker with 10 years experience working and exhibiting in Scotland. I aim to make work which is a reflection of our heritage and design past using both traditional and digital techniques. I make work which showcases art’s ability to care for our environment and work with people to co-create public art and craft pieces which can inspire and instil pride. I work with artists and communities through many different craft processes to encourage our sense of place and improve wellbeing.

What craft do you work with?

I come from a printmaking background and have been using printing techniques, type and pattern in my work since graduating from Gray’s School of Art in 2011. However, I have been applying surface decoration and colour through natural dyes and inks onto textiles for 3 years, using sustainable techniques, materials and processes to create homewares.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

I am inspired by sustainable making and feel passionate about creating work which promotes design which doesn’t impact negatively on our environment. I like to use recycled, natural and organic materials and work with people from various communities to make work which helps us to connect with our natural, social and physical environments.

How do you start your creative process?

My patterns are made form simple forms and are repeated to create more complex shapes. I really enjoy cutting blocks from wood and experimenting through colour and shape combinations. Repeat block printing is the most enjoyable part for me, as it is incredibly mindful. The most difficult part can be controlling the natural dye process, as the fabric needs carefully dyed in order to not have areas which are badly dyed. It can often mean some fabric can be used but I make patchwork items with remnants or smaller pieces of fabric to ensure nothing is wasted.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

My workspace is totally multi-disciplinary as for different projects I use wood and clay as well as textile and print. I couldn’t do without my big printing table which doubles as a place to cut and layout fabric. I also couldn’t go without my cutting tools, sewing machine or sink!

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I would love to try out more complicated hand stitching or sewing techniques as I am still making work which only requires basic sewing skills.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

My dream is to make meaningful work which can be used and enjoyed for years. I would love to continue working with people and communities to share craft skills, make work for exhibitions or produce pieces which can be enjoyed in public spaces.