We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara J. Griffin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara J., what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I would say that most people are unaware as to how much work is really truly involved with the Photography/art industry! At least 80% of the work is “behind-the-scenes”, including (but not limited to): education, learning new techniques, practicing & development, trial and error, EDITING, marketing, nurturing, and so on.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s NEVER EVER been easy. I’m still overcoming copious amounts of challenges (personal and professional) every single day, almost every moment. I can be my own worse enemy sometimes. (That sux! I’m still making efforts to get out of that!)

I’ve learned humility and to be humble. Art and photography has always been a sort of therapy to me, and not everybody always likes it, so I have had to learn to not take it so personally. I’ve learned that having ESP and A.D.D. are not all they’re cracked up to be, (nor is being an artist sometimes)! I’ve learned that my efforts to understand others isn’t always reciprocated, and how painful that is. I’ve learned how good it feels if it IS reciprocated, or if someone else makes the first move. The photo and art world of today is a much different beast, and I’m learning how to navigate that.

What sets me apart is that I’m versatile. I paint, I draw, I photograph, I perform. I put things together: (I alchemize). I experiment! I play. I put my heart and soul into what I do, and like to create all kinds of poetry: be it written/song or visual! Sometimes it’s fun to tap into the old school techniques and make things really dramatic. I have a number of odd and artsy influences (again: alchemy). Above all else, I suppose personality sets me apart! lol I’m constantly re-inventing myself. Also sometimes I tackle very deep and serious issues that not too many would touch. Oh yes… and I really enjoy doing figure art in all forms.

I get excited when I get freedom to be really creative. Oftentimes I must think on my feet, especially during photo shoots. I get excited with “happy accidents”. I get excited when I can achieve or even transcend my creative visions! I get excited when I get to do once in a lifetime things. I get excited when I make something pretty mundane look interesting and artistic. I get excited to be organically creative in fleeting moments. I get excited to be on stage and belt out some tunes and words. I get excited when my experiments turn out well, or even better than expected! I get excited to learn something new and when it’s implemented that it actually works. I get excited when I can excel. I get excited when someone shares my excitement, is inspired and puts their money where their mouth is! lol

What I want the world to know is: I’m not a one-trick pony. I’m the real deal and not some AI generated BS.
As a person and artist I’m multi-dimensional and constantly striving for evolution. While my art is often fun and whimsical, it can also have very deep meanings and tackle some serious issues (i.e. domestic abuse, trauma, and mental illness).

My professional photography work is usually geared towards lighter things as I love creating beautiful portraits and capturing special moments. Though I explore and experiment sometimes by creating dramatic scenes and whatnot, I still love natural light and natural looks. I search for the best angles, composition, light, etc. Sometimes I have visions, and I like to co-create with whoever I’m working with. Wait, let’s call it play time vs. work. That makes it much more fun and interesting. It’s not just about the art, it’s about the experience. Let’s have fun together and create something awesome!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Everybody has different tastes and likes.. so I would like to discuss with them what they might want to do. Of course Grand Ave has a special place in my heart. Currently my favourite restaurant is Feeney’s. When my adventure buddy (Mr. Daily, of course) comes to town, we usually find some sweet hikes. Last time we went to the Superstitions. We also explored some boujee restaurants downtown. If there’s a cool art show/event/party, live music, open mic, or something like that, yea, let’s check it out!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All those who have offered love, support, and sponsorship along the way. Clients and customers. Teachers, friends and colleagues…
OMG where do I begin? There’s a mixed bag of recent to way back! Foto Forum and various crew members over there, teachers, friends and colleagues at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Bill, Sandy, Hania & Vic, Eric, Enrique, the 23’s, Aymee, Vanessa & Vickie, John & Andrea, Melissa, Mr. Macabre, Gloria, Bobbsey, AliAnn, Chris D., Dorinda, Mr. Daily, Rosalie, Andre L., Laura K. (Ed Fox Photography back in the day), Alwun House, Exposed Gallery, to name a few…

Website: www.sjgriffinphotoandart.com, sjgriffinphotography.pixieset.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjgriffinphotography/ , https://www.instagram.com/lady_sara_human_prism

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjgphotoandart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJGriffinPhotography

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@saraj.griffin8917

Other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sjgriffin

Image Credits
All these are copyright SJGriffinPhotography/ SJGriffinPhotoandArt.

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