Sarah Hurn
S J Hurn is a Scottish-based artist and mother of three grown children. She graduated from Loughborough University School of Art and Design in 1997 with a BA (Hons) in Printed Textiles. Following graduation, she worked for seven years as a freelance designer within the American fashion textile industry, while also developing her own painting practice. In 2001 she exhibited in a group show at The Truman Gallery, Brick Lane.
Art was later set aside as Sarah pursued a career in the funeral industry, eventually qualifying as an embalmer, before moving on to work as a Prison Officer. A major car accident in 2016, resulting in life-changing injuries, became a turning point and an opportunity to return to painting.
Since relocating to Scotland in 2021, Sarah has continued to develop her practice and regularly exhibits with Open Studios Ayrshire, CRAG Community Arts and the Girvan Arts Festival. Her work is informed by her surroundings, particularly weathered and historical surfaces, alongside a longstanding passion for pots. Time spent in Prague and France has further influenced her approach, inspiring a love of layered collage, textured surfaces and fragments of text reminiscent of old advertising, creating a sense of age, memory and quiet resilience.
Her work can next be seen at Custom Lane Gallery in Edinburgh as part of the Visual Arts Scotland, Holding Conversations, part 2 exhibition from the 11th to 21st of February 2026.
Instagram: @sjhurnart