Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Beck. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
For me, mastering creative disciplines involves starting with basics before pushing boundaries. Photography and pottery both follow this path of learning the rules first. Having this mindset is likely a product of my formal instruction in photography. I was taught that to break the rules, you must learn them first.
In photography, light is crucial. Photographers learn natural and artificial lighting intricacies, mastering exposure and composition for artistic expression. Once you’re able to grasp lighting you learn how to control it and work within it.
Understanding light is a primary foundation for every creative outlet I’ve worked with. Including, pottery. I hand build watching the way light hits three-dimensional objects and combine it with the foundation of clay instruction I learned from a master potter.
Both crafts share a journey – mastering rules before breaking them. It’s a balance of tradition and innovation, a continual exploration of creative expression.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a photographer and clay artisan. My first love was photography. I spent the early years of my life taking classes and then later attending Hallmark Institute of Photography. Since 2001 I’ve photographed everything from product photography to celebrity meet and greets, and I’ve spent the better part of the past 15 years working as a wedding photojournalist.
When the pandemic hit, it brought unexpected turns. That’s when I dove back into film photography and started producing fine art darkroom prints. I also began interring alongside my kids, with a local artist. Through this connection, I had the privilege of meeting a retired master potter who generously shared a treasure trove of hard-earned knowledge. It was more than just learning the craft; it became a personal journey of discovery and a beautiful fusion of my love for photography and newfound passion for working with clay. This chapter in my artistic journey has been nothing short of transformative, blending the familiar with the unknown in the most personal and meaningful way.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of being an artist has been the ability to translate my inner world into tangible and meaningful creations. The tactile nature of hand-building, or painting with light in the darkroom, has given me the unique power to communicate and connect with others on a deep, emotional level. Seeing my work elicit a range of feelings or sparking introspection, is wildly fulfilling.
Ultimately, I think there is an inner peace that comes from self-expression and the potential to resonate with others is what makes being an artist rewarding.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I view a lot of books on the topic of entrepreneurship as pretty redundant and slightly manipulative, but I found Seth Godin’s This is Marketing so helpful. The first time I read it I had it on loan from the library and filled up an entire pad of Post-it notes. I’ve always struggled with marketing and business, but I found this book to be so helpful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahbeckphoto.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahmakesitweird/