Sarah Lawhorne
Staff Maker Monday
About the Artist
Name Sarah Lawhorne
Medium(s): Photography & Writing
Years creatig: for as long as I can remember
SCAA member: 2021
Based in: Westerly, RI
Website: slawhornephotography.com
Instagram: @slawhornephotography
blog: .slawhornephotography.com/blog
Click an image to view slideshow
Where are you from, and what do you make?
I’m from right here in South Kingstown, though I’ve lived all over the state and now reside in Westerly. I’m a photographer who works with analogue and alternative processes, recently focusing my efforts on cyanotype. I’m also a writer, specializing in short form poetry and essays. I’ve got a blog I write in regularly, and in 2024 I self-published my first book, Mystery & Manifestations, which combines my black and white photography with inspiring quotes and short essays. At the moment, I’m working on my next book, featuring writings and photographs from a pivotal journey I took to the Pacific Northwest last year.
How long have you been seriously pursuing art?
I’ve been writing and photographing my whole life. My mother worked at Kingstown Camera when I was young, and would regularly take me in to work with her. I was exposed at an early age to the darkroom, film processing labs, and the wonderful world of film. But my “serious” exploration of photography didn’t begin until 2017, when I was gifted my first DSLR camera. After that, I was completely hooked. Now, I have my own photography business and recently moved into a studio in downtown Westerly.
What inspires you to create?
I think there is a kind of special power in quiet moments: the way the light falls in a room, birdsong on a spring morning, laundry on a clothesline swaying in the breeze. I truly believe that noticing these moments can make our lives a little more magical and help us to feel contentment even when things are going wrong. Much of my work is based around concepts of simplicity, awareness, and the beauty in the ordinary. Haiku and photography are closely related and both require attention, presence, and focus. My work is spiritual, and I find that my creative, personal, and spiritual lives are parallel to each other.
Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?
My father died when I was only a year old, and I didn’t know very much about him, but I did know that he loved art and music. In an effort to be closer to him, I taught myself how to paint, draw, and play guitar when I was young. Having this creative outlet proved to be very beneficial and helped me to get through some very difficult times in my life. Though I don’t paint or play musical instruments anymore, I’m thankful that I had those inspirations early on. If it wasn’t for trying to find that connection, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.
Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?
There isn’t just one artwork, but rather a body of work which changed me. I enjoy going to galleries in NYC. Several years ago, I saw a mini-exhibition in a back room at Howard Greenberg Gallery of work by an artist I had never heard of. Her name is Miho Kajioka, a Japanese photographer who works with darkroom processes to create small but compelling images that are almost dream-like. Something about her work resonated with me in a big way. It was serendipitous. Seeing that exhibit made me question what I was doing in my own creative work. I learned how to embrace the spirit of play more, to experiment and break away from technical perfection. Kajioka’s work changed the entire trajectory of my photographic practice, and continues to inspire me.
As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?
I first came to SCAA in 2021 as an exhibitor, entering the Photography Annual and then the Members Exhibit. I was impressed by the gallery space, the staff, and the quality of work in the exhibits. Kathy Carland, the director at the time, asked me to volunteer. I decided to give it a try, and ended up loving the work. Shortly after that, I was hired as an Administrative Assistant a few hours a week. Now, I’m the Assistant Director. Working at SCAA has been the best job I’ve ever had. The team meshes together so well, the work is fun and rewarding, and being surrounded by art and artists every day is a pleasure.
Tell us a joke
A Zen student asked his master: “Is it okay to use email?”
“Yes”, replied the master, “but with no attachments.”