Sarah Ritchie - Fibre artist and author

Creative Connections with Mandy Jakich

Sarah Ritchie is a New Zealand fibre artist living in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

Sarah specialises in creating framed works in natural fibres such as New Zealand wool, bamboo and cotton, showcasing her passion for texture, colour, and non-toxic creativity - drawing inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this episode Sarah unpacks her fibre art process for us: from her preferred fibres to use and the tools she uses to her technique , use of colour and the ideas behind her work.

Sarah is an absolute power house, or as she says, a “purpose-driven multi-passionate”!

As well as being a practising artist Sarah teaches needle felting workshops; she has created a range of needle felted painting kits; she has curated a collection of merchandise and a range of prints featuring her original needle-felted fibre paintings; she has written 4 non friction books, she is a business mentor, a member of an art collective, a photographer and a facilitator; all while working full time in graphic design and advertising.

With a background in business, graphic design, advertising, and human resources Sarah has a sound understanding of what it takes for artists to run a successful, sustainable business and imparts much of her knowledge and experience in this episode. We talk about identifying your why, identifying and reaching your audience, aligning to your purpose, different ways of monetising art, creating a business plan, strategic thinking and dealing with 'failure'.

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