Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Morton.
Sara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am an artist & photographer from Atlanta, Georgia.
I’ve always wanted to create the images that I had in my head, so I did a bit of everything- painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. I discovered that through conceptual photography I could story-tell and almost achieve the imagery I wanted. It was while studying for my MFA in photography at the Savannah College of Art & Design that I discovered alternative process photography. The alternative process combines all that I am passionate about specifically including photography & painting. I can combine both historical processes and new technology which allows me to express all my ideas in different ways. It also has a very magical quality to it, from the physical process to the outcome of the work.
While in school, I started working for Major League Baseball as a content creator/photographer. I quickly grew to love the sport and to photograph it. It is completely different from the artwork I create and it helps keeps me balanced.
So, that brings us to now, a week after we got married my husband received a promotion that brought us to Dallas. Moving to Dallas has been such an adventure for us, and we are happy to call it home. It has given me more opportunity to focus on my artwork as well as continue working for MLB part-time. I am currently working on a new body of work that I am planning on releasing in the fall.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy making the choice to pursue art. It takes a lot of persistence to create work and continuously put yourself out there. Deciding to do fine art as a career means that you are not only an artist but you have a business to run, even as much as I would like to just hide in my darkroom and only focus on making art.
I also had to learn to work in two very different fields (my art & MLB). For a while, I worried I couldn’t be as serious of an artist if I was doing something other than just my artwork but working in baseball keeps me grounded and it has made me a better artist. Having creative balance is so important for me to continue to create. My schedule during baseball season is a bit chaotic but I have learned to really use it to my benefit. There will be a full week I am in the studio making work and the next, I might only be at baseball games. Embracing that schedule has allows me to stay inspired in what I am creating. Being able to do both has made me incredibly happy.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an alternative process artist. My current work is made up of Cyanotypes. Cyanotypes are created by painting with light-sensitive chemicals that when exposed in the light creates the most beautiful blue. In my work, I like to manipulate the chemicals to experiment. In my newest series, I am working on achieving many variations of blue from pale blue to dark blue. Traditionally, a darker and deeper blue is the desired color for a properly exposed cyanotype. Something that continues to make alternative process special is that each individual piece is unique & hand-made. I love that each piece I make is one of a kind.
The type of art I like to create is small and intimate. The subject is typically rooted in emotion. My most recent work is exploring the fleeting nature of beauty. As a part of my residency at The TX Studio, I photographed flowers in the studio that I am now turning into cyanotypes. By photographing these flowers I am freezing them in time and encapsulating their beauty forever. I am loving creating this work as it continues to evolve.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see many artists and photographers making art that combines technology and other processes. I think we will see the alternative process continue to grow and blend with the digital world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.saralmortonart.com
- Email: saralmortonart@gmail.com
- Instagram: saralmorton.art -for my art & saramortonwelch – for baseball work
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
