Born in Durban, south Africa, Sarah spent her childhood across Southern Africa, fostering a deep curiosity about people, places, and the natural world. She returned to Durban to study Fine Art at Durban Technikon, majoring in sculpture (1985-1990), and later earned a master’s degree in fine art (cum laude) at the Durban university of Technology in 2008. She now lives in KwaZulu-Natal midlands.

For over 25 years, Sarah has created bronze sculptures that capture life, movement, and intricate detail. Through a lifetime of sculpting wildlife, she has developed an intimate understanding of her subjects, which comes across vividly in her work. Her mastery of patinas brings extraordinary colour and vibrancy to her bronzes; each finish is the result of a refined interplay between multiple chemicals and the reactive qualities of raw bronze, sealed with wax. Her Wild Dog series is a striking example, admired for its lifelike mimicry and particularly popular among patrons at The Gallery.

Sarah’s practice spans both wildlife and human figures, exploring texture, emotion, and form. The modelling stage, often in wax or plasticine, is an intimate process of discovery where artists and subject interact closely. She has thus exhibited widely, including solo exhibitions at ArTSPACE Durban and The Giltroom Café, as well as group exhibitions such as SculptX, and Elegant Feathers. She has also collaborated with conservative organisations including Wildlands Conservative Trust and WESSA Umgeni Reserve.

Sarah’s work, from her striking wildlife studies to smaller limited editions, is available and exhibited throughout the year at The Gallery at The Studios, allowing visitors regular access to experience and acquire her sculptures.

Through her art, Sarah Richards continues to combine technical mastery with emotional depth, creating bronzes that are vibrant, lifelike, and resonant with both nature and human experience.