Meet The Maker: Kano

Who are you, where are you from and what do you make?

Hi! I’m Sara Farrag-Kramer. I am a multidisciplinary artist known mainly for my Jewellery and Metalsmithing work and I run Kano Shop. I was born in Cairo to a half Egyptian half English father and a Dutch mother but I’m now settled in Nelsons County in the wonderful city of Norwich.

What inspires you?

I don’t think there is one particular thing that I can say inspires me. I truly admire ancient crafts and objects, from Medieval pilgrim badges to Ancient Greek marble sculptures. I also love a lot of early 20th century photography such as works by Lee Miller, Man Ray and Dora Maar.

What is your workshop luxury?

I always like having a nice drink in the studio, which is usually a tasty Kombucha, Seltzer, Kefir water and sometimes even a cheeky Campari soda (only on weekends). I also love having a bowl of popcorn on an admin day.

Your favourite studio lunch?

An anything and everything salad with a side of Scottish oat cakes. Also, leftover pizza is always a treat!

Best spot in the British Isles?

The west coast of Scotland is beautiful and I have a serious love for Glasgow. I also love the Norfolk and Suffolk coast and countryside, You can always find somewhere nice to walk and somewhere lush to swim on a hot day.

What do you find challenging about being a creative?

Trying not to get into my own head too much. I get really obsessed with subjects and put everything into that one thing – which then gets really intense….. which then turns into imposter syndrome! I also find it hard to not compare myself to others sometimes, but I’m slowly learning to unlearn these toxic patterns.

What would you like to learn next?

I’m always up for learning more things and I’m always still learning more about my practice on a daily basis. I am currently working on a collaboration with a local ceramicist so I am hoping to learn a bit more about pottery and practicing with clay. Another thing I would really like to learn next is hand engraving, such an amazing craft that has slight relevancy to my own practice.

How do you let your hair down?

Gardening, baking or cooking. I’m a #tradwife at heart.

What are you listening to at the moment?

So many things! Village Green by The Kinks, Always Enya, Joni Mitchel’s Blue, Paul Simon’s Graceland and Rhythm of The Saints, oh and now the suns coming out Stan Getz is coming out too!

What makes you feel well chuffed?

Sitting in the sun with my kitties, being at the coast with my fiance eating a tasty picnic, a good second hand bargain and a bit of Seinfeld on the telly.