INTERVIEW
May 27, 2021
RUHR PERSPECTIVES
Photography by Sarah Luhse
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Sarah Luhse is an inspiring and passionate primary school teacher who channels her creativity through her art and photography. Growing up in the often overlooked Ruhr Area in Germany, Sarah is determined to show the beauty of her home region through her work. Using her Leica Camera and creative editing in black and white, Sarah has created a series of photographs that capture the industrial history of this area while highlighting contrasts, shapes and textures. Join us as we explore the photographs of Sarah Luhse and uncover the beauty of the Ruhr Area.
“I was born and raised in the Lower Rhine Region in Germany, but I'm living and working as a teacher in the Ruhr Area in Germany now. It was my boyfriend, a professional photographer, who evoked my deep interest in photography. Nevertheless, I have always had a passion for arts in general. Besides photography, my favorite leisure activity is visiting exhibitions or going to the theatre.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH SARAH LUHSE
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Sarah, please tell us where do you find your inspiration?
SARAH LUHSE: I am able find beauty in everything. That's why I find inspiration in the supposedly boring objects and places.
TPL: What do you want to express through your photography? What are some of the elements you always try to include in your photographs?
SL: My main interest is to express my aesthetic perception with the recipient. I always try to focus on a classically perfect or a unique composition (golden cut, rule of thirds, lines, …).
TPL: Do you have a favourite place to go photograph?
SL: All those beautiful capitals and cities around Europe.
TPL: When you take pictures, do you usually have a concept in mind of what you want to shoot, or do you let the images just "come to you", or is it both? Describe your process.
SL: It is both. Sometimes the images come to me automatically and sometimes I already know exactly what to photograph in advance.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance?
SL: My heart beats for modern art. Kahlo, Chagall and Picasso are my all time favorite artists.
Concerning photography I adore the work of Bernd and Hilla Becher, Berenice Abbott and Maria Svarbova.
TPL: Does the equipment you use help you in achieving your vision in your photography? What camera do you use? Do you have a preferred lens/focal length?
SL: I am using a Leica Q2 most of the time.
TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist or photographer? Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
SL: I don't see myself as an artist or a photographer. I am an amateur and taking and editing photos is what I like.
TPL: "When I am not out photographing, I like to...
SL: Draw, to visit exhibitions, to go to the theatre, to sing and to swim.”
Sarah Luhse's works are a testament to the beauty of the Ruhr Area. Through her photographs, we are able to discover and explore the region in a way that wasn't possible before. By highlighting the industrial history of the region and emphasizing shapes, textures and contrasts, Sarah has created an inspiring and captivating series of photographs. We urge you to join us in celebrating Sarah's work and explore the Ruhr Area with her.
