Sara Abbott ~ Little Black Van

Biography

It feels as if I should always have been creating this way.

However, the bulk of my artistic career has been spent with brushes in hand and paint under my fingernails. Only, the whisper of baskets was always just off to one side. A found vintage piece at a boot sale, or woven treasure pulled from a skip igniting a flash of aesthetic joy and a longing to make the same. Until, finally I found myself in a place where there were lessons to be had.

That was 10 years ago, in the space in between I've returned for more learning, committing the traditional techniques to muscle memory and practising over and over. And now I mix my artist’s mind with the craft I’m studying and make pieces of work that please me.

Since the start of 2025 contemporary basketry has been the focus of my work and I continue to study, practice and bring new elements into my makes. Bark and split wood will be featuring more alongside the wild foraged materials and decorations that already adorn my basketry.

I currently have work in three gallery exhibitions (summer 26) and am working on a new collection of woven pieces for the 'Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair' Oct 26. I also have several smaller events, fairs and markets planned throughout the year.

My Instagram is where you will find the latest info.

Interests