Cubes by Sarah Jane Charlton

Sarah Jane Charlton, 'Cube Collection'

Clock (detail) by Sarah Jane Charlton

Sarah Jane Charlton, 'Clock' (detail) 2018 collection

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13 June 2018

"I focus on comparing and combining traditional hand-made processes with innovative digital techniques such as laser cutting and 3D printing." says Sarah Jane Charlton.  Nine months after winning the LSA Student Award 2017, Joan Stephens reports on this talented designer as she launches her new 2018 collection at De Montfort University's Festival of Creativity.

Photograph of Sarah Jane Charlton

Sarah Jane Charlton with mirrors and wall hangings from her new collection 2018

Sarah Jane Charlton graduated with a First Class BA in Design Crafts from De Montfort University in July 2017. As the winner of the 2017 LSA Student Award, she received a cash prize of £400, plus the opportunity to have her winning work shown in LSA 2017 Annual Exhibition.

She says: “Winning the Award was an amazing experience. It gave me the opportunity to exhibit professionally alongside established artists in the local area. This helped to publicise my work and also gave me confidence. I would absolutely encourage creative students to apply for the Award.’’

Closeup photograph of hangings by Sarah Jane Charlton

Sarah Jane Charlton, layered laser cut pieces

Sarah Jane Charlton is currently an Artist in Residence at De Montfort University, where she has also been working part time as a laser cutting technician. 

Samples of work by Sarah Jane Charlton

Sarah Jane Charlton - samples from her homeware collection 2018

Her work is inspired by complex geometry and intricate patterns. She explains: “I focus on comparing and combining traditional hand-made processes with innovative digital techniques such as laser cutting and 3D printing. Each one is unique and created via different processes, materials or finishes. So far, my work has been mainly decorative but I am now making the cubes into functional pieces as well.

Clock by Sarah Jane Charlton

Sarah Jane Charlton, clock, 2018 collection

Sarah is also a member of the  Crucible Project, a business course designed for selected  graduates of De Montfort University. The entrepreneurial course includes workshops, mentoring, specialist advice, office space and networking events, plus support and funding to start a business.

Sarah Jane Charlton

Sarah Jane Charlton, 2018

This talented young designer has plans to buy a laser cutter and set up her own workshop, either in Leicestershire or her native Derbyshire.

Sarah Jane Charlton launches her first homeware collection at De Montfort University Art and Design Degree Show in the Festival of Creativity, opening on 15 June 2018, which continues at the Vijay Patel Building Leicester until Thursday 21 June 2018.