Meet Sarah Lindell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Lindell.

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
My journey as a ceramic artist is a relatively recent venture, the result of a somewhat indirect path. While working with clay is a relatively new medium for me, the inherent drive to create has been a constant force in my life. Two pivotal influences have consistently shaped my journey: a fervent passion for creating and a deep-seated love for nature. My earliest memories involve crafting with my mom, woodworking with my dad, and exploring the rivers and woods of my Vermont hometown. I have always found joy and a rush when immersed in the outdoors or while working with my hands. 

In 2005, I transitioned from New England to LA, seeking a life direction that could satisfy my creative aspirations while still finding a way to pay the bills (ha!). Eventually, I landed a position at a sculpture studio fabricating monumental-scale stainless steel public art pieces for a local sculptor. It was during this time that I met my now-husband, who, while pursuing architecture in grad school, suggested I explore landscape architecture—an idea that resonated with my creative inclinations and love for the outdoors. I went back to school and dove head-first into a career in landscape architecture, dedicating nearly two decades to its service. 

Fast-forward to 2020, when my life took an unexpected turn. Juggling the roles of family life with two kiddos and working as an associate principal at a Landscape Architecture firm in DTLA, I faced a series of concussions that altered my trajectory. Despite initial expectations for a swift recovery, post-concussion syndrome had different plans. Migraines dominated my days, forcing me to eventually step away from my career and struggling to keep up with my family. 

In September 2022, ceramics became my lifeline. Seeking relief from chronic pain and the accompanying depression, I enrolled in a beginner wheel-throwing class at a neighborhood pottery studio. The tactile connection with clay served as my solace, drawing me out of bed, reigniting my creativity, and unearthing a passion. I channeled my newfound skills into crafting planters to accommodate my growing collection of house plants—a bit of a nature-hoarding tendency that flourished during the COVID lockdown. The process of designing and crafting handmade vessels filled with nature offered a unique sensation capable of momentarily overshadowing chronic pain. From that point forward, my hands and heart have remained immersed in clay and dirt, guiding me on a transformative journey. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Ha! Smooth is not a term that fits any aspect of the past four years of my journey. Yet, the moment I began working with clay, it struck a deep chord within me and has become a source of profound healing. In the last 1 ½ years, I’ve faced a substantial learning curve. The inception of Mammatus Studio was born largely out of necessity, as staying out of the workforce wasn’t a viable financial option for our family. Navigating the nuances of clay as a new medium while simultaneously learning the ropes of running a small business, photographing work, building a website, and managing accounting has been a whirlwind. Embracing social media and the world of self-promotion has been challenging for an introvert like me, but is a necessary skill to develop for a budding artist these days. All of this has been done while contending with chronic migraines. 

One of the most formidable challenges has been learning the art of slowing down, practicing patience, and finding a delicate life balance. Daily headaches have significantly compromised my ability to manage stress and engage with the outside world. While many successful artists thrive in the market scene—a fantastic way to connect with new people, showcase your work, and cultivate a following—these events take a toll on my system, leaving me incapacitated for weeks afterward. Navigating this reality adds an extra layer of complexity as I work to share my creations with the world. Nevertheless, I’m persistently pushing forward, learning as I go, and remain determined to make my mark despite these challenges. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, a significant portion of my ceramic work is tailored to engage with nature. I love creating vessels designed for flowers and planters tailored for fellow houseplant enthusiasts. It satiates my plant obsession, providing a connection to my previous life in landscape architecture and garden design. 

In a somewhat amusing twist, what I find most pride in is the drainage system I’ve devised for my planters. The standard saucer setup has always irked me; often an afterthought in the design process, it doesn’t prioritize the plant’s well-being. A waterlogged planter with root rot from overwatering is a common woe. My drip-dry system is crafted to house the planting medium and roots in the upper chamber, with excess water dripping down to a hollow lower chamber. From there, it evaporates through decorative and functional air circulation holes. This design ensures proper air circulation, balanced moisture levels, and a happy life for the plant’s root system. As someone deeply invested in both plants and design, this combination truly fulfills my plant-nerd and design-geek nature. 

What makes you happy?
Hiking until my legs sing, cloud-spotting, the soothing touch of moss, the gurgle of a river, goofing around with my husband and kiddos, engaging in a meaningful conversation with someone dear, anything plant-related, and diving into something new with a fresh bag of clay. Each of these activities serves a crucial role in allowing me to step out of my journey with chronic pain and remain present in the moment. I discover my true happiness when I can find a way to keep my hands in the dirt and my head in the clouds. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mammatus-studio.com/
• Instagram: Sarah Beth Lindell (@mammatus_studio) • Instagram photos and videos

Image Credits
Mammatus Studio