ABOUT Sarah
Hello my friend. I'm Sarah DeShields, a Scottish lassie who moved to America a lifetime ago, and have found my home here in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina.
With a degree in Communication Arts, a certification in Spiritual Direction and my camera always by my side, my philosophy of ‘following the breadcrumbs’ in life has led me to where I am now as an artist focusing on fine art portrait photography. In 2023 I also began the journey to become a mental health counselor and a death doula, with a focus on expressive arts therapy. I have a deep belief that art reveals and heals us.
I’m passionate about authentic artistic exploration that weaves in with the beauty of being human. I love taking walks with my kids and my pup Finn, where I hunt for textures and colors and mushrooms. I have been a songwriter for as long as I can remember, and am always whittling away at new ways to explore lyricism and truth telling through stories and song. I have two growing sons and a husband who loves me well. Every day is a gift, and I am honored to share my time with you.
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My journey
Over 20 years ago I discovered an old a medium-format film camera, and its dream-like images gave me a way to express how I felt about the land of Scotland and Northern England where I grew up. When I moved to America as a musician, I began to work with my community on album covers and portraits in the studio. I learned as I went, incorporating the camera into the every day, like a third eye. As well as photography, I work in mixed media art forms and still produce and write music. It’s all part of the whole - a way of life that is teaching me to slow down, take it in, allow what comes forth to speak.
my MISSION
In everything that I do, I honor being deeply present. When you work with me, you receive the gift of loving attention. I am present to your story, to who you are, and what makes you so beautifully alive. It is my mission to make sure you feel cared for and seen, and the result is art that you can be proud of, that you had a hand in.
