sarah@sarahrichards.co.za

sarah@sarahrichards.co.za

About Sarah

Meet Sarah

Sarah Richards was born in Durban; her childhood was spent in various places around Southern Africa. She returned to Durban to study Fine Art, majoring in sculpture at Durban Technikon (1985-1990).

During the next four years she travelled overseas to gain experience and insight before returning to Durban to make art and to teach drawing, painting and sculpture to adults and children. She completed her Master’s degree in Fine Art (Cum Laude) at the Durban University of Technology in 2008.

Sarah is now living and practicing her art in the KZN Midlands.

Sarah has been creating bronze sculptures for the past 30 years. Her passion lies in rendering sculpture which shows an attention to detail, and which give an impression of movement and animation.

Sarah explores many different subjects; this comes from her fascination with the details and construction of the world. Inspired by pubic sculpture and monuments around the world Sarah enjoys the challenge of creating world class sculpture for the public commissions she has received. Her smaller figure sculptures include children at play, small figures and nudes.

The Art

For over 25 years, Sarah has been crafting bronze sculptures that capture life in motion. Her work is distinguished by meticulous attention to detail and an extraordinary ability to breathe movement and vitality into bronze.

From intimate coffee table pieces to monumental public installations, her sculptures span a remarkable range of subjects – each born from her deep fascination with the intricate construction of our world.

Her portfolio encompasses playful children’s figures, contemplative nudes, and powerful wildlife studies. Public commissions have allowed her to create world-class monuments, including the 3-meter Maggie Resha statue and the commanding Queen Regent Labotsibeni in eSwatini.

The Process

Sarah’s creative journey begins in the tactile world of wax and plasticine, materials that allow for fluid exploration and rich textural discovery.

These early modeling stages represent pure creative adventure – a time when artist and subject develop an intimate dialogue. Through close observation and study, particularly of wildlife, Sarah uncovers the unique characteristics that make each creature extraordinary.

Her figure work represents an emotional exploration of human form and movement, while her animal sculptures celebrate her profound connection to nature and its endless capacity for wonder.

See detailed process here.

Experience & Recognition

Qualifications

  • Masters in Fine Art at Durban institute of Fine Art (DUT) – 2008 Cum Laude
  • Fine Art Technikon Natal (1989)

 

Solo Exhibitions:

  • ArtSPACE Durban 29 August 2011 – Bronze sculpture and paintings – Further
  • ArtSPACE Durban, February 2008, Masters Exhibition of Oil paintings – Forward
  • The Grillroom Café, Innes Rd, Durban, August 2002. (Solo). Mixed media sculptural drawings – Ecstasy.

 

Other Exhibitions:

  • SculptX – Melrose Gallery, Johanesburg, Sept 2019/2021/2022/2024
  • Boucher Legacy Auction , March 2022
  • Journey – Platform Gallery, Lions River, KZN Midlands, R103, Nov 2020
  • Elegant Feathers – Bird Art Exhibition in Hoedpruit at Warren Cary Gallery. 24 May – 12 June 2019
  • St.Lorient Fashion & Art Gallery – August 2015, Rooftop VII “The inner Child”
  • Cherie de Villiers Gallery, Hyde Park Corner, Jhb – May 2013
  • Inspirations exhibition of bronze sculpture, Hilton 2011
  • Foundryman’s Choice bronze sculpture, Paarl – 2009
  • Group sculptor’s exhibition, Groundcover – 2009
  • Private Charity exhibitions – from 2009
  • St Anne’s College, Charity Fundraising exhibition, 2008
  • Karabuni Hills in Nottingham Rd, July 2007, Bronze sculptures – Exhibit 2
  • Artlink Gallery, Muster on South coast, December 2007
  • Art for conservation charity auction 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012
    – Donated and exhibited sculptures

 

Assorted Commissions

 

Exhibitions

Sarah Childhood

Sarah as student

Sarah Richards

Sarah’s Studio

Sarah’s studio is tucked away in the beautiful Balgowan Valley in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa. Surrounded by indigenous forest, she looks out over rolling hills and, on clear days, the distant Drakensberg mountains. The weather is always changing — from misty mornings to glowing sunsets — and often inspires her work.

Inside, the studio is a busy, creative space filled with sculptures in various stages of completion. Sarah works on everything from small, detailed pieces to large, monumental bronzes. When not sculpting, she photographs her work, applies patinas, and prepares sculptures for delivery to clients and foundries.

It’s a place of constant making — where creativity and the natural world meet.

Bronze Process