I’m Sarah Jane Whittaker, and I’m an artist designer-maker living with disabilities.

Using my numb fingers, a lot of patience and some help, I create lovely things as a form of rehab, and to help me maintain as much dexterity as I can, for as long as I can.

I’ve lived with various progressive physical and neurological disabilities for over 30 years, which has forced me to re-invent - as the multiple sclerosis and CIDP get worse, I’m always having to find new workarounds to help me keep on making jewellery and art.

I use innovative work-holding equipment, clever workstations that raise and lower to accommodate my wheelchair, and a team of skilled artisans who help out from time to time, but it still takes me a very long time to make my work.

This means that my work is all one-offs, small batch or limited editions - so you can be confident that your new jewellery, painting or print really is unique and special. (Greetings cards are printed in larger runs by a wonderful small UK-based art printing business.)

My work is organic, tactile and understated, and very obviously handmade. I want my work to remind you that something ostensibly imperfect can be worthwhile and beautiful - perfectly-imperfect .

This is gentle jewellery and art, born from decades living with disabilities, but also commenting on the physical and emotional scars we all tend to accumulate from facing the challenges of life. Mass-produced factory-made jewellery leaves me cold, and perfect shiny surfaces seem a bit soul-less to me. Instead, I’m interested in the information given by mellowed textures and ‘upset’ finishes, though I do often contrast distressed surface finishes with shinier polished edges.

Paintings and enamels feature layers of colour, with gorgeously-layered and re-worked or worn surfaces.

My work celebrates the beauty of resilience - something I’m convinced we should all celebrate.

You’ll also find the occasional pre-loved treasure for sale here, as well as introductions to some of my favourite UK-based artists and makers over on my blog (these favourite makers and and artists aren’t pre-loved, though they are all treasures). Enjoy!

Sarah Jane x