Behind the Image: Sally Davies, the Photographer who Captures the Beauty of Everyday Life

Part of Edition365 2022 – Sally Davies is a photographer whose work captures the beauty in the everyday.

Sally Davies’ images have been selected as Top Picks for Edition365 2022, culminating in an immersive virtual exhibition of works documenting the events between 1st October 2021 and 30th September 2022. Follow this space for upcoming announcements.

From the mundane to the extraordinary, Davies’ images showcase the world around us in a way that is both captivating and inspiring. In this article, we explore Davies’ creative process, the inspiration behind her work, and her stance on blockchain technology.

Davies’ interest in photography began at an early age. As a child, she was gifted a Canon AE-1 35m by her father and from here she has practiced ever since.

“My father gave me a Canon AE-1 35m camera when I was 14 – I have always taken photos. I was also a painter.  When I went to college, I took painting and color theory majors with a photo minor.  Those were great days because I photographed for years on end and no one cared or judged what I was doing.  I wasn’t a “photographer” I was a painter.  Somewhere around 2000, I decided to have a show of my photos instead of my paintings. It sold out and I have never looked back.”

Throughout her career, Davies has focused on capturing the beauty in everyday life. From the quiet moments of contemplation to the chaos of city streets, Davies’ images highlight the humanity and connection that exists all around us.

“When I moved to NYC in 1983, I lived in a ghetto drugged out building in the East Village. Allen Ginsberg lived there before me.  By the time I moved in, the front door had been removed so people could walk in off the street to buy their dope.  For a young person coming from rural Canada, trying to manage this strange new life, it seemed important to document.  I knew if I did not take photos of this insanity, no one would believe me.  So flash ahead, I’ve lived here in New York now for 40 years. All of us OGs here, have watched things change and gentrify.  But hitting the street with your camera is still something one can do without an invitation. You can go out any time of the day or night and shoot anywhere your heart desires, or your nerves can handle.”

Davies’ creative process is one of exploration and experimentation. She often sets out without a specific plan, allowing herself to be inspired by the world around her.

“I don’t plan much when it comes to shooting the streets here.  I might have a neighborhood in mind, but thats about it. I shoot in Chinatown often because it hasn’t changed all that much…at least not visually and is still full of character.”

ART3: How do you approach photographing people in your projects, whether it’s neighbors in your own building or regulars at a neighborhood bar? What techniques do you use to build trust and create a comfortable environment for your subjects?

“I never ask permission if I’m on the street, but when I published the “New Yorkers” book of portraits, that required release forms and a bit more planning. Once in people’s homes, I did not style anything and I tried to let the subjects get involved in visual choices.  Some people got dolled up and others answered the door in their pajamas. The idea of these portraits was to reveal people in their homes, as they really live. Mostly, I didn’t know these people, nor did I make a visit to their homes ahead of time. I would arrive sight unseen with my camera, flash, and my dog Bun in a bag and that was it. Usually, I was in and out in half an hour or less. I wanted the photos to be authentic.”

In addition to her inspiring work as a photographer, Sally Davies is also a strong proponent of emerging technologies such as blockchain.

“Photo life can be measured by “before digital” and “after digital”.  There used to actually be jobs in the industry that a photographer could get and support themselves with. Not so much anymore.  When the bottom fell out of my magazine job where I shot “product” all day long, I saw the writing on the wall.I decided to switch my focus from my commercial work to my fine art print sales and my art life.  By that point, I had a better chance in the art business to pay my rent.  That was a good decision and my rent is still paid.”

Davies has been actively involved in the blockchain art community, participating in several NFT (non-fungible token) art drops and collaborations. She believes that although the market is bear right now, we will emerge stronger than before.

“I am not the most knowledgable person regarding crypto and blockchain, but I am very enthusiastic. A year and a half ago I was invited by Justin Aversano to have a drop with Quantum.  I was only their 4th drop, and I wasn’t sure what the hell blockchain even was at that point, but I took a chance and it paid off.  The market is bear right now, but I believe it will emerge stronger than before, albiet different. I will do another drop. I have another book coming out this summer “California Dreamers.”  A book of environmental portraits, but all California people.  I think that would be a great follow up to the New Yorker Collection.

Technology is never going away.  I want to be a part of it, not a resistor.”

Through her work as a photographer and her advocacy for emerging technologies like blockchain, Sally Davies is helping to shape the future of the art world. Her commitment to creativity, innovation is an inspiration to artists and art lovers around the world.

Sally Davies’ images have been selected as Top Picks for Edition365 2022, culminating in an immersive virtual exhibition of works documenting the events between 1st October 2021 and 30th September 2022.

Follow this space for upcoming announcements.