About

Sarah Rhodes is a designer whose experience and training crosses over the boundaries of design, craft and art. Being based in Africa for many years, Sarah’s work is concerned with ethical practices and social sustainability. She is developing her practice-based research into collaborative work between established designers and grassroots African crafts projects, challenging current preconceptions of the designer‘s role in the developing world.

Sarah’s most recent jewellery collection, ‘Re-found’ is derived from the collection and juxtaposition of texture transposed from found objects. Casting and manipulating ordinary fragments such as wooden carvings, telephone wire baskets or glass beads, and juxtaposing them with texture, colour or content, she has given them a new visual meaning. Everyday objects have been taken out of their traditional context and re-appropriated to produce small, sculptural objects to be worn on the body.

This collection evolved in parallel to her work with African grassroots craft projects. Sarah’s understanding and analysis of previous collaborations between these crafts projects and Western designers has enabled her to develop a model of engagement that allows for the positive and equal exchange of skills and creativity. It is a model that she continues to develop both in her practice and in her consultancy on projects such as the development of curricula in craft for the Government of Botswana.

Exhibitions

Flux – Brilliantly Birmingham’ Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Nov 2009 to Feb 2010
‘Fashioning the Future’ London College of Fashion, Nov to Dec 2009
‘small show HUGE TALENT’ Sotheby’s, 2009
‘Eclectcollect’ London Design Festival, 2009
MA Degree Show, Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, 2009
‘Artists in Botswana’ National Museum & Art Gallery, Botswana, 2006/2005/2004’
‘Ode to Peace’ Art Junction, The Grand Hotel, Delhi, India, 2005
‘Ndoro Silver’ Greatmore Art Studios, Cape Town, South Africa, 2004

Presentations

‘Designing for Social Change: How Can Collaborations Between Western Designers & African Grassroots Crafts Projects be Most Successful?’ Making Futures: Crafts in the Context of Emerging Global Sustainability Agendas Conference, Plymouth, 2009

Projects

Designed Spring/Summer 2009 collection for fair trade jewellery company Made, on sale in Topshop, Whistles and House of Fraser
Developing the curriculum for Botswana’s first vocational jewellery design and manufacture course, 2007 – present
‘Parasites Aglow Glow’ Installation celebrating scientific imaging, created in collaboration with scientist Natalie Silmon de Monerri as part of the ‘Nobelini’ project, CSM & MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, 2009

Sarah has a background of working in sustainable livelihoods in the developing world including:
Gantsi Craft – running design and jewellery workshops for the San Bushmen craft producers of the Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Kallari – assisting the Kichwa Indian craft producers with marketing and quality control in Ecuador, South America
Bana Ba Letsatsi – design and facilitation of a series of art & design workshops for vulnerable and orphaned children
Women Against Rape – the development, design and facilitation of a series of craft skills workshops for economic empowerment for disadvantaged women in Botswana

Press & Publications

‘Up & Coming Fair Trade Jeweller Sarah Rhodes has Extensive Experience of Working & Teaching in Africa’ Findings Magazine, June 2008, Issue 28
‘Design for Life – Sarah Rhodes’ Wessex Muse Magazine, March 2008, Issue 32
‘Art for Schools’ Co-author with Julia Healy, Pyramid Publishers

Education

MA in Design: Jewellery (Distinction) - Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, 2009
PGCE in Art & Design Education (Distinction) – De Montfort University, 2004
BA in 3D Design: Ceramics – De Montfort University, 2002

Memberships & Affiliations

Klimt02
Hidden Art
Crafts Council