Sarah Dunstan was born in Helston. She studied at Falmouth School of Art from 1987 to 1989, subsequently gaining a BA (Hons) in 3D Design Ceramics in 1992 from Cardiff Institute of Higher Education. She works from the Gaolyard Studios in St Ives.

Dunstan has undertaken visiting lectureships at Falmouth University and Cornwall College. She has given demonstrations of her work in Denmark and Sweden. In 2008 she was the winner of the Cornwall Crafts Award.

Her work can be seen at Trelowarren, near Helston, and Trelissick Gallery, near Truro, and St Ives Ceramics. She has exhibited further afield in Bath, Wareham and beyond.