Where Nature Meets Creativity: Sarah Kay Arts

Underwater is my absolute favourite place to be. Especially in winter when the water is crystal clear, it is a beautiful colourful world few locals seem to be aware exist.

Tucked away in the wild beauty of Shetland, Sarah Kay Arts captures the spirit of the islands in every piece. Inspired by the dramatic coastlines, shifting skies, and abundant marine life, Sarah transforms natural materials, like sea glass, shells and local fibres into unique artworks and jewellery. Her work blends traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary eye, celebrating Shetland’s heritage while offering something fresh and distinctive.

We spoke to Sarah Kay to find out more…..

Q. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

A. I grew up on the small island of Whalsay as an only child in a low income family. I was always good at entertaining myself. At the time it was simple play to spend time at the beach, collecting shells and exploring the sea life, pressing seaweed to make crafts etc. But looking back I can see how much those early experiences shaped my creative direction. They gave me a deep connection to the sea and a fascination with its colours, textures and rhythms. The sense of wonder that stayed with me, and it finds it way into my work today – whether through the luminous layers of resin that echo the depth of water, or the way I try to catch movement and light in my seascapes.

Q. What do you enjoy most about what you do?

A. What I enjoy most about running my three businesses is the variety and sense of connection each one brings. I love welcoming people to Shetland with my accommodation and open garden,  giving them a chance to experience the beauty of Shetland for themselves. Through my artwork I get to express that same landscape and seascape in a more creative personal way – turning my inspiration from the sea into something others can take home and enjoy. No two days are ever the same.

Q. What sparked your interest in underwater photography and sea swimming?

A. I have always loved spending time exploring the coast line and peering into rockpools. Having tried to go into the water as a child it was shockingly cold but I used to put goggles on and attempt to look under! In 2020 I came across some underwater photographs on social media and asked the photographer if I could use them as reference material for painting, she said no.  So I decided I would just have to take my own photos! I ordered a wetsuit and never looked back, it is my absolute favourite place to be. Especially in winter when the water is crystal clear, it is a beautiful colourful world, few locals seem to be aware exist. I’m glad she said no!

Q. How do you incorporate natural elements you find, like sea glass, shells, and pottery into your artwork and jewellery?

A. I love working with natural elements like sea glass, shells and pottery because they carry a story of the sea within them. Each piece has been shaped by time, tide and weather, so when I incorporate them into my artwork or jewellery, I’m really weaving a fragment of Shetlands coastline. Sometimes its about highlighting their natural beauty – letting the colour of the piece of sea glass shine through resin, for example – and other times I use them to add texture and depth, echoing the layers of the shoreline. For me it’s a way of grounding my  work in authenticity: these are real treasures from the sea, and they connect the finished piece back to place and the environment that inspired it.

Q. What unique challenges does working with epoxy resin present, especially in Shetland’s climate?

A. Working with epoxy resin always has its challenges, but in Shetland the climate adds an extra layer to it. Resin is very sensitive to temperature and humidity – it needs warmth and stable conditions to cure properly. Here with our cool damp and often changeable weather, that can be tricky to manage. I’ve had to adapt by controlling the working environment as much as possible, timing pours carefully, and being patient with the curing process. But those challenges also make it rewarding – resin has a life of its own, and I think that unpredictability echoes the sea itself. No two pieces are ever exactly the same, and that’s part of the beauty.

Q. Tell us about your hillside garden, its creation, and how it feeds your artistic vision.

A. My hillside garden has been a real labour of love. Creating it on Shetland’s exposed, windy slopes wasn’t easy – the soil is shallow, the weather is harsh, and nothing grows without a bit of coaxing. But I wanted to carve out a space of colour and life, so over time I’ve built shelter, chosen hardy plants, and worked with the landscape rather than against it. Now it’s a thriving garden and changes beautifully with the seasons.  For me the garden is more than just a place to grow plants – it’s a constant source of inspiration. The colours, textures and patterns I see there often find their way into my artwork, whether in the blues and greens of foliage or the shapes and flow of petals and leaves. It’s also a place of peace and reflection, which feeds directly into my creative process. Just like the sea the garden is a reminder of resilience, growth and beauty in unexpected places.

Q. What does an average day look like for you?

A. An average day really depends on the season, but there’s always a balance to strike between creating, welcoming visitors, looking after the garden and cleaning our accommodation between lets! Mornings are often my most creative time, I like to start in my studio, working on paintings and pouring resin while the light is at its best. If I have studio visits or garden tours booked in, I’ll spend part of the day preparing to welcome people – making sure paths are tidy, or setting out new artwork. In summer when the garden is at its best, I naturally want to  spend more time outdoors, guiding tours and drawing inspiration from the colours and textures around me. Our 9 holiday chalets are seriously busy though, so I’m always pulled away to catch up on mountains of laundry and constant change-overs. In the quieter winter months I turn inwards and focus more on my art, experimenting and planning new work for the year ahead, mixed in with deep cleaning and re-decorating rooms in our accommodation. But I do look forward to a bit of free time to get back in the sea!

Q. Do you have any new artworks or collections on the horizon?

A. Every time I make a new piece of artwork, I get an idea for another one!  So I’m constantly evolving my work, incorporating layers of painting and layers of resin together makes my work unique. I am working on a series of acrylic paintings of Shetland scenes, without adding resin! And will continue to develop underwater inspired paintings too. I also continue to experiment with and incorporate found elements like sea glass and pottery into both artwork and jewellery, having grown into the biggest maker in Shetland using sea glass.

Whether you’re a visitor looking for a keepsake of the islands or a local drawn to the artistry of home, Sarah Kay Arts offers a glimpse of Shetland’s magic through a creative lens. You can find Sarah’s work and follow her on her website, Facebook page and Instagram.

By Victoria Dixon
Orkney and Shetland fanatic, likes to capture life through a lens, loves creating, eclectic taste in music, enjoys being a Mum; would secretly love to be a star of the West End!

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