SARAH HILES
Stained glass pieces by Sarah Hiles.A Memphis native, Sarah Hiles has a BFA in metals and spent time at the Appalachian Center for Craft. She’s a metalsmith by trade and worked as a “metal shop rat” for years in Memphis. But her newest projects are stained glass. A medium associated with church windows and Tiffany lamps, Hiles’s designs are irreverent and playful – look for one of a whale being beamed up to the sky – bringing mediums of high art to the hands of the masses.
“I make things because I have to,” she says. “Art elevates a space and brightens the spirit.”
Native or transplant:
From Memphis. Graduated 2002 BFA in Metal, Memphis College of Art. Moved to Chattanooga Feb 14, 2009
Why Chattanooga?
I spent a few years at the Appalachian Center for Craft, which is near Chattanooga. Several of my Craft Center friends live here. Besides the beauty of the place, I like the way the city’s history and growth blend. I also like the low crime rate.
Sarah Hiles, metalsmith and stained glass artist.What do you make?
I make Stained Glass, but I do it a little different. Instead of traditional hand tools, I use a diamond bandsaw. This allows me to cut out some crazy shapes. I use copper-foil and solder to join the pieces.
What’s your medium, and why did you choose it?
Really, I’m a metalsmith. I’ve been having issues with my arms and hands. I have some nasty carpal and cubital tunnel in both wrists and elbows. I’ve had surgeries, and I have more surgeries next month. In the meantime, I had to find something to make, and a way to make it without hand tools. I’m familiar with bandsaws, after years of being a metal shop rat at various Memphis studios. The jump to diamond wet-saw was not a far one. I’m still learning the craft, and it’s hard to keep the metalwork out of it.
What do you do (other than your art)?
Gardening. I have an obsession with trees. My backyard orchard keeps me happy. First year for plums!
Why is making things important?
I make things because I have to. It’s important to have many people making many things. It’s part of the human experience. Hand made things are special, made with intention and used with care. Art elevates a space and brightens the spirit.
What are some places in Chattanooga that inspire you?
A cold creek after a hike. A bench by the river. A comedy show a JJ’s Bohemia.
How do you hope to change Chattanooga?
I am a part of the change that is already happening in Chattanooga. More people are shopping local and supporting handmade.
Why the Little Made Market?
It’s new! It’s juried. It’s small. For me, it’s my first time showing my glass work. I wanted something intimate. People who stop in to the Little Made Market will be there to look at fine art and craft, not buy tomatoes and drink beer. I think this is a great new venue with a lot of talent.