Salty Sea Dog Designs is the collaboration between the husband and wife duo of Blair and Sarah Dawes. Their ceramic partnership explores animal designs with cheerful colours, animated expressions and whimsical creations.

Blair and Sarah met while attending AUArts (formerly ACAD) in 2000 while studying in ceramics. Blair and Sarah became instant friends, often getting in trouble for laughing too loud and having too much fun when work was supposed to be taking place. After graduating from AUArts with BFA’s in 2004, Blair and Sarah’s friendship continued outside of an academic setting and in 2007 became partners in life and in business.

Salty Sea Dog Designs combines Blair’s talent for creating adorable 3D animals and Sarah’s love of vibrant colours. Utilizing both artists skills created a distinct look and unique style that has become well known and instantly recognizable. Salty Sea Dog Designs is a true collaboration between Blair and Sarah Dawes. Each piece of pottery takes both partners to create. Sarah throws all of the forms on the potters wheel and Blair hand sculpts all the details. Often times, Sarah hand paints all of the creations, but Blair has been known to help out when he’s needed. Illustrations are the work of Blair, but Sarah does give constructive feedback to shape those as well.

Blair and Sarah’s love of animals and the sea are often the focus when creating designs. They love creating designs that remind them of their travels, adventures and creatures that are less well known and have great personalities.