Sarah Gallagher-Hayes

Having realised she wanted to take the 2D drawings into 3D form, Sarah began to work with metal rod. Sarah was able to create the pieces in 3D as she saw them in her head and on paper. Although she enjoyed working with metal it was a slow process and she wanted a more instant result. Sarah went on a course with the National Basket Makers Association, and knew instantly she had found the right medium to work in.

‘Willow has a fluidity that can’t be matched; it can twist and bend and turn to be reworked into whatever shape I desire; I am literally drawing with sticks.’

Sarah’s career began almost immediately upon graduating in 1998 she won her first commission from Kew Gardens, to create a willow lion to represent Aslan in their The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe themed exhibition. She also began a 3 month residency as Cheshire County Council’s willow sculptor creating site specific work and running workshops. This generated a lot of press coverage and lead to her producing sculptures for film and television sets as well as public and private commissions.

Sarah now exhibits her work at Chelsea flower show, RHS Hampton court, Tatton Park, Blenheim Palace and Chatsworth House to name a few. She is currently working on 8 large installations for Glasgow City centre and an array of animal and reptile sculptures for Chester Zoo.

I have seen some of your work at Wistaston Academy and was really impressed.

Mandi Lloyd