Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Maeder
Hi Cheryl, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In my early twenties, I moved to Switzerland. While there a friend lent me his Nikon camera and I began to photograph. Another friend gave me his darkroom equipment, and that was it! I basically fell in love with photography. I worked day and night photographing, and then working in the darkroom till all hours. I remember one day walking out of the darkroom and declaring to myself and those around me, that this is what I want to do with my life! I studied photography at the Zurich University of the Arts in Zurich, Switzerland and then returned back to United States and eventually opened my studio in San Francisco, California. I photographed for major international advertising and fashion campaigns. My photography work was the inspiration for the Dove Campaign on Real Women Real Beauty which transformed the way women are viewed in the global media today.
In 2005, I relocated my studio to the Miami area, and deeply immersed myself in the world of fine art photography and filmmaking, creating video installations/short films. My investigations into video and large-scale installations have expanded my visual world. By immersing myself into the world of new technologies and shifting between the mediums, new opportunities for rewarding and creative collaborations have occurred for large-scale installations.
I have not stopped since, creating art is who I am. I have always been concerned with breaking through stereotypes in myself which, of course, reflects in the work that I create.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an artist is not an easy path; it can be uncomfortable at times. As an artist not only do we create the art, but we have to get it out there and market it. I have always worked hard as a professional artist. Yes, there are days that I question what I am doing, but the truth is being an artist is who I am. I am very happy that I chose this path. I experience fear just like everyone else on this planet. I am conscious of fear, acknowledge it, but still keep moving forward. I never let fear stop me from my work and living life. Struggle can be a good thing, it is a part of our human growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Conceptual Photographer and Experimental Video Installation Artist. My work revolves around the concept of connection to the environment, to oneself, to others, and to all living beings. I believe we humans are not separate entities from nature but integral parts of it. My photographs and video installations are created entirely on location working with the elements of wind and natural light. I work in collaboration with nature, transporting the viewer on a mystical and magical journey.
The creation of my work involves an intricate process, including location scouting, meticulous planning, on-site experimentation, and extensive shooting. All these efforts converge to capture a fleeting moment when all the elements harmonize.
My limited edition photographs and video installations are in permanent museum, corporate, and private collections worldwide. My work has been exhibited extensively in the United States, South America and Europe, including a group exhibition at The Louvre Museum/Paris and the Museum of Contemporary Art/Rome. My video installations are currently installed with Delta Air Lines at JFK, New York, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale Airports, as well as in Delta Air Lines permanent collection. My video installations are exhibited in public art platforms in United States, South America and Europe.
My video installation, The Voyage, is installed at the Montefiore Medical Center in New Rochelle, New York helping their patients to heal, and my video installation, Super Natural, was recently screened at the Miami Beach Convention Center for Aspen Ideas: Climate for the Aspen Institute in collaboration with the City of Miami Beach and Public Art for Miami-Dade County.
My video installations are poetic, meditative and create a calming sensory experience for the viewer.
What stands out and makes my work unique is that all the special effects that I create in my photographs and in the video installations are created entirely on location working with the elements of wind and natural light.
What makes you happy?
I am happy when I am creating. It is a natural instinct for me like walking. I usually come up with a conceptual idea. I then begin filming, and let the muse inside dictate the flow. This is what allows the magic to happen. The inspiration for all my work is nature. Living in South Florida has very much influenced my art. The relaxed tropical environment, the horizontal open spaces and the sensual experience of the tropics have expanded my world. I feel very connected with nature living here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maederphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylmaeder
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistCherylMaeder
- Twitter: https://x.com/cherylmaeder
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cherylmaeder
Image Credits
Cheryl Maeder photographed all images.
