Today we’d like to introduce you to Shola Lawson.
Hi Shola, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In college, I took a photography class where we developed everything on transparency slide film, which I thought was fantastic! My teacher encouraged me to become a photo major after she saw my work. I was optimistic but had my heart set on becoming a sign language interpreter at the time and didn’t think that an art degree would be practical. My dad and I purchased my first Nikon N65—which I’ve recently started shooting with again—and it accompanied me all through my 20s. I took photos of friends at parties and social events, documenting all of my personal relationships and finding a lot of satisfaction through that. It wasn’t until a few years ago, when I bought a Pentax k1000 that I decided to really push myself and identify as a photographer rather than just a hobbyist. I had two photo shows last year which was so much fun! I started to feel hopeful again after spending the past several years in a state of complete and total malaise.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
What’s nice about photography is that even when life gets you down you can still take a shot or two without it completely disrupting your routine. Personally, I feel my work is more interesting when I’m not overthinking things or fiddling around with the camera too much. Shooting as a means of remembering certain feelings and moments in life is ultimately what I’m aiming for.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a film photographer, ikebana enthusiast, amateur potter and a whole lot more! I suppose I’m most known for my photo work but perhaps what sets me aside from other photographers would be my eye for the color pink. I’m most proud of the photographs I’ve taken of my cat Reva last summer out on our patio. I’m currently creating a lot of hand-built pottery, which is a brand-new practice for me! I’ve been interested in the concept of art conceptualized through grief and have discovered a lot of comfort within this medium. I’m slowly building a community of those who also create through pain and loss. I’ve turned to ceramics as a way of making something that symbolizes how I feel about losing a loved one.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was weird, funny, full of personality and loved my cozy cute little bedroom. I made claymation videos with my dad and hung out with the local girls in my neighborhood. I was curious but at the same time scared of many things. My brother and I have fond memories growing up in the suburbs of Portland. Our dad would make homemade ice cream in one of those old ice cream machines where you pour rock salt all around. Christmas was (and still is) my favorite time of the year. We use to cut down our Christmas tree at a local spot called “Dykes Peachy Pig Farm.” It was everything you’d imagine it would be; cheery music, hot apple cider, carolers in the snow. So pure and so innocent. I’m nostalgic for these times more often than I’d like to admit. Our extended family lived in the California desert so we would take a road trip every year to visit them which had a big impression on me. I still love California and get this refreshed sense of newness every time I’m here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shotbyshola.squarespace.com/work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotbyshola/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sholalawson8939
- Other: https://www.twitch.tv/powerpadlassie
Image Credits
All images shot on Kodak Portra film with Pentax k1000 or Mamiya 645 cameras.
