Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Kathryn Hopple.
Sara Kathryn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn to the emotional power of personal expression. As a child, I often struggled to articulate how I was feeling, so I turned to writing as a way to process and connect. That early relationship with communication has become the heartbeat of my creative journey.
My first series of paintings, “My Love Letter to You,” began on envelopes—each one a visual letter, a tribute to the intimacy of written words. Over time, that series grew into larger mixed-media pieces that explore themes of emotion and connection through color and abstract form.
My love for ceramics and pottery was shaped by my mom, who used to take me “treasure hunting” at local thrift stores. We’d search for special, handmade pieces—pottery that felt like it had a story. Those moments became some of my most cherished memories. Today, my ceramic work is a tribute to that time with her—each piece created with care and intention, carrying the warmth of nostalgia and a sense of discovery.
Whether I’m working with clay or paint, my goal is the same: to create something that invites connection and reflection. I think of each piece as a kind of love letter—crafted to stir emotion, spark introspection, and hopefully help someone feel just a little more seen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, but I truly believe every challenge has taught me something valuable. Before diving into art full time, I spent several years working in healthcare management. It was a completely different world, but the experience gave me structure, discipline, and an appreciation for systems—skills that have surprisingly translated into running a creative business.
Making the leap into a full-time art career about two years ago was both exciting and terrifying. There were moments of uncertainty, self-doubt, and plenty of trial and error. But I try not to dwell on the bumps. Instead, I see them as part of the process—little detours that brought me closer to clarity, creativity, and confidence. I focus on the silver linings, the lessons, and the growth that’s come from navigating the harder parts of this journey.
At the end of the day, I feel incredibly grateful to be doing what I love—and to continue evolving both as an artist and as a small business owner.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is rooted in emotion and connection—whether through ceramics, pottery, or abstract mixed media paintings. I’m drawn to creating pieces that feel personal and intentional, like a love note or a meaningful moment frozen in time.
What I’m most proud of is when someone tells me a piece has become a marker in time for a special moment or memory in their life. Whether it commemorates a season of growth, serves as a reminder of someone they love or a place they hold dear, or simply brings a sense of comfort—those are the moments I hold closest.
I think what sets my work apart is the intentionality behind it. I create with the same care and thought I’d put into writing someone a heartfelt letter. Every glaze, every brushstroke, every detail is considered with someone’s emotional experience in mind—like a little wink, hug, or spark tucked into the clay or canvas.
While what I make is rooted in my own story, my greatest hope is that it leaves space for others to find pieces of their own story within it too.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I don’t think you have to be fearless to take risks—just willing to trust yourself enough to try. Risk will always come with uncertainty, but it also holds the possibility for growth, joy, and a kind of light you don’t find without stepping into the unknown.
For me, the biggest risk was leaving a stable career in healthcare to pursue art full time. It was a leap into something deeply personal and entirely unpredictable—but it’s made my days brighter and helped shine through the dark spots that risk can sometimes bring.
Betting on myself was scary, but it’s also been the most rewarding decision I’ve made.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.esquecreates.com
- Instagram: @esquecreates
- Facebook: @esquecreates
- Other: esquecreates@gmail.com
