With a minimalist and earthy aesthetic, Sarah van der Loo’s pieces characterise a compelling rawness, each one unique with its own personality and identity, emphasising the natural beauty of the material and the perfect imperfections of the craftsmanship. “Most of my current work is inspired by Croatia’s beautiful nature, coastline and rich history, but I like to maintain a Scandinavian feeling as well,” van der Loo explains.
Born to a Croatian mother and a father with roots in Syria, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, van der Loo’s multicultural upbringing paints a vibrant backdrop to what has culminated into a growing ceramics brand called sloo studio. After growing up in Stockholm, Sweden, van der Loo lived in various countries including Egypt, Croatia, Syria, England and Spain before she finally settled in Dubai in 2010 with her husband, two children and their dog. Her move to Dubai marked the beginning of a 12-year tenure as a marketing and branding manager for a renowned Swedish flooring brand. However, it was her inherent passion for storytelling, symbolism, design and craftsmanship that truly defined her professional and personal journey.
“I have always been drawn to the subdued, minimalist and clean aesthetic,” van der Loo shares, reflecting on her personal style. “I guess you could call it Scandinavian-inspired, but with a little twist. I like to add something that disrupts the eye a bit – something imperfect, whether it’s in my clothing, interiors or ceramics.”
Her journey into ceramics began as a spontaneous and somewhat serendipitous decision. After leaving her corporate job, van der Loo felt a compelling urge to reconnect with her creative side, leading her to enrol in a ceramics class. “Working with clay felt like coming home to myself,” she says. “I absolutely love creating with my own two hands again. It’s a continuous journey of discovery and exploration.”
In 2023, van der Loo officially established sloo studio, marking the start of an exciting new chapter. Her creations, including signature pieces like the kava cup (named after the Croatian word for coffee), have been well-received, especially among designers and hospitality clients. The ethos of sloo studio is deeply rooted in Sarah’s diverse background and her connection to her heritage. As van der Loo continues to explore her creativity, she and sloo studio are set to leave an indelible mark on the world of ceramics, blending heritage, design and personal expression into each piece.
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