sarah grace cheek

After years of creating practical and useful pieces, Virginia-based woodworker Sarah Grace Cheek is exploring more abstract and sculptural forms.

Artist: The Virginia native was born and raised in Smithfield. Cheek felt lucky to attend the Governor’s School for the Arts while in high school.

“This really solidified my trajectory and interest in pursuing a life centered around art and craft,” said Cheek.

At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Cheek earned a BFA in Craft + Material studies where she focused on furniture and textile design.

Cheek currently splits her time between Columbia, NC, and Charlottesville, VA. This fall she will be moving to North Carolina full time.

Company/studio: Sarah Grace Cheek started selling her work in 2019. She currently creates all her work in the woodshop at Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft. Previously, she worked from her home studio in Earlysville, VA.

In the beginning: As an undergrad, Cheek thought she would major in fashion design or sculpture. That quickly changed when she took her first woodworking class.

“I fell in love with the community of the woodshop at VCU and how I could manipulate and create with the amazing material that wood is and continues to be,” said Cheek.

“It’s taught me so much in terms of being patient and generous and how to honor reality,” added Cheek.

Art & materials: Smaller, functional wood items including bowls, mirrors, wooden bottles and utensils ($80 to $500).

In her latest, more sculptural work, Cheek is exploring new forms (prices not set).

Favorite or must-have tools: Bandsaw, a good cabinet scraper and spokeshave.

Inspirations:

Bones, rocks, bark and driftwood
Scavenged and salvaged materials
Antique textiles
Classical marble sculptures
Being near the water

Fun or unusual commissions: Made a couple of tai chi swords. It was a challenge getting the sword balance points just right, said Cheek.

Recent project: Cheek’s dad is helping her make some reinforcements on a 14-foot aluminum v-hull boat to make it more seaworthy.

“I can’t wait to get out on the water and explore new areas along the Scuppernong River and Albemarle Sound,” said Cheek.

What’s next:

Combining her new grid work sculptures with printmaking techniques, both screen printing and block printing.
Continuing to explore and see new shapes.
As assistant director for Pocosin Arts, she and others are gearing up for the summer workshop season.

Where to buy: