Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Lind
Hi Sara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up on the Monterey Bay and I loved the ocean from the time I could walk. My interest in creative expression and the arts emerged early as well. I started working in a darkroom processing film and making prints in 7th Grade, continued to explore the world with a camera, completed a BA in Fine Art-Photography and became a professional scuba diver during my university years at Stanford. Capturing the underwater world in images is my passion and chosen profession. I have been a professional photographer for decades now and it is still challenging and rewarding every day. After many years in Northern California, my family relocated to La Jolla in 2016 and it has been a wonderful match of place and spirit. The connection of the ocean and local culture in San Diego is a dream.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A smooth road? Of course not. Nothing worthwhile is easy. Trying to make creative pursuits valuable in a quantitive world is tricky. Showing the world how you see in a “unique” way is the ultimate art challenge. Marketing is difficult as I prefer images to words but most of my work has come through referral. Whether that was in my earlier era of editorial or commercial projectsor my current focus now which is Fine Art work. Convincing others of your worth is a daily lesson in humility, introspection, research, and trial and error. Finding guidance and advocates in other professionals does help. I found my “tribe” after college really. The various people with different backgrounds and ages but a shared love for the ocean and art or both were out there and I just had to go find them and their inspiration. I find some of these cherished perspectives really helpful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I process the world visually and create images in the photographic medium. I chase light, create compositions, and try to share my experience through these images. My underwater photographs that go beyond documentary subject matter with focus on pattern, color and form are probably my most recognizable efforts. I have exhibited in solo and group shows, received multiple international awards and distinctions, participated in Artist Residencies, and built a portfolio of published work I am proud of. It takes courage to share your “vision” with the world. Putting yourself out there knowing that if people don’t like your work or do not find it compelling it is very much tied to your identity. The courage to keep trying, to make new work, to continually improve technically and try new ways of connecting with audiences is a form of perseverance I am proud of. That is the hidden but very hard part of being an artist. I really enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new things so the exploration and travel with a camera has opened many doors for thatI am forever grateful for choosing this path Gratitude and grit never hurt, right?
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I already mentioned how much I loved the ocean and art projects. I have not changed very much in that respect. Everyone has subjects in life that light them up. Witnessing sea creatures in their natural habitat, the power and beauty of the ocean, the quality of light at the intersection of land and sea…these are my never ending sources of joy and renewal. My parents indulged me with a wide range of pets which were fun to have at home but I always wanted to spend more time with wild sea creatures and reef fish. I swam competitively and did other aquatic sports which were all a great physical foundation for later scuba diving projects.
Pricing:
- Print prices vary on size
- Image licensing depends on usage
- Commissioned work always an option
- Supporting artists is awesome
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarashoemakerlind.com
- Instagram: @sarashoemakerlindphoto
Image Credits
Images © Sara Shoemaker Lind
