Sara George, senior fine arts and art therapy double major, is making a bowl in the ceramic studio.
There are many talented art students here at California Baptist University representing many different art forms. Sara George, senior fine arts and art therapy double major, works in various kinds of art mediums such as painting, drawing and sculpting but has an emphasis in ceramics. George was introduced to ceramics in Germany at a boarding school and has since been practicing.
“I’m definitely a perfectionist, so I really value quality of form and craftsmanship,” George said. “When it comes to ceramics, I’ve spent a lot of time developing my technical skills, so my pieces are very light, refined and well-glazed. I always say I make functional and fine art ceramics, so it’s both beautiful and useful.”
When art is not only beautiful but also functional, it can be more of a challenge and more of a reward. George sells most of her pieces, and that is not always an easy task. When people want to buy her projects, it helps her remember her talent, especially when struggling. With eight years of practice, she has learned that her favorite clay to work with is porcelain. Experimenting with glazes (coloring, gloss and waterproofing through firing in a kiln) is also one of her favorite parts of ceramics.
“I think it really just comes from a deep love and passion for ceramics and art-making,” George said. “It’s such an integral part of me that it’s almost like an instinct to pursue it.”
Family can also have a significant influence in the life of an artist, and when family members are artistic, it is easier to get involved in art. George shares her passion with her family and has always had art integrated into her life. Her love for ceramics came from a class taken in high school that sparked her interest more than she could have predicted.
One of the most challenging paths in life is turning your passion into a money-making career to support yourself. Especially for artists, it can be hard to be recognized. According to the article “Artists Report Back,” only about 10% of art majors make it as artists. Luckily for George, she was in that 10th percentile.
“I actually just accepted a job offer this past weekend for a studio position in New York,” said George. “I worked for some ceramic artists in Brooklyn this past summer, and one of them asked me to come back and work for her full time.”
It is a proud moment for CBU staff, students and alumni to hear that one of our own is going to make it the field of her dreams. Now it is time for her to take her God-given talents into the real world.
