Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Lash.
Hi Susan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for photography began in childhood, sparked by my best friend’s Polaroid instant camera, one of those old classic cameras that produced photos in seconds, as if by magic. I borrowed her camera every chance I got; if ownership had been based on who took the most photos with it, it would have been mine. From those earliest experiences using a camera, I became fascinated by the idea of preserving moments into pictures and, consequently, the memories they carried.
It wasn’t long before I had a camera, the first of many. I got my first “serious” camera in my twenties, a Ricoh SLR. I learned to develop film and print photographs, further developing my love of photography. When the world moved from film to digital, I did too. It wasn’t until seven years ago that I began entering juried exhibitions and selling my work. Then, just last fall, I was in Little Italy and stopped by Murray Hill Galleries. That was the first time I ever considered that I could get a space and display and sell my photography. As luck would have it, a small gallery would be available soon; I took one look and thought, why not!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are almost always challenges when you take on something new, and I had never owned a business, so sure, there have been challenges–but nothing significant enough to make me regret my decision. I am thrilled to be in Cleveland’s historic Little Italy neighborhood—and with the many talented artists of Murray Hill Galleries. I opened in December 2024; the winter was very slow, but as the weather has improved, so have sales. I’m learning as I go; fortunately, my husband, Mark, takes care of the bookkeeping part of things so I can focus on the creative side..
Compared to the previous 3 or 4 years of my life, opening the gallery has been relatively easy. Photography and cycling have been my two greatest passions and how I spend much of my free time. In August 2021, I was cycling out on a training ride, riding a route I had ridden dozens of times. This time I was hit by a car. It has been a long and difficult recovery. Consequently, I’ve been unable to return to cycling like before, but my interest in photography has grown. Making photographs, to quote the legendary Ansel Adams, allows me to capture memories and fulfill my creative desire too.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the heart of my photography practice is a lifelong love for nature and capturing its beauty. Being outdoors has always been my favorite place, and capturing nature and landscapes is just an extension of that. I enjoy being creative, so I like to incorporate that creative urge into my work – otherwise, a photo is just one-dimensional and flat. My goal is for my photography to evoke awe for the beauty of nature, to depict the drama of a street scene, or to draw the eye to the angles and stonework of a cool old building, for example.
My photographic style is most closely aligned with fine art photography. I photograph various subjects—architecture, street, nature, and landscapes. I want my photography to be about the subject, not just of the subject. That means taking that one-dimensional image and expanding it somehow, maybe by shifting the point of view, creating mood, or focusing on light and shadow. The methods are endless, and that’s the part of photography I love.
My photography is an act of discovery and expression. I strive to bring the beauty in the world into my photographs while also bringing something of myself to each frame. My approach is rooted in curiosity, observation, and self-expression. My eye is nearly always drawn to the five elements – wood, fire, metal, earth, and water. I’m drawn to the textures, shapes, color, light, and patterns. I try to reflect the atmosphere of a place and our relationship to the natural world. Nature, in all her wildness and beauty, strikes a chord in us that is both ancient and immediate. My practice of photography is forever drawn to expressing that connection.
What were you like growing up?
Pricing:
I believe art should be available to everyone. If someone loves and wants to purchase one of my photos, I want to do everything I can to make it possible. As printing and framing costs have increased, I’ve had to consider alternative mediums. Two options I offer are acrylic photo blocks and metal prints. Neither requires a frame, plus they are smaller and less expensive. Another benefit is they can sit on a shelf, table, or desk.
Every framed photo I offer in the gallery is available in various sizes, from something as small as 8″x10′ to 28″x42″ or larger. The turnaround to get it printed and framed is generally less than a week and can be as quick as the next day.
The gallery is open on weekends and by appointment. I couldn’t be happier being a part of the Little Italy neighborhood and Murray Hill Galleries. I want the gallery to be a place for community,, conversation, and creative exchange. I believe in the power of art and creativity to connect us and promote a greater appreciation and regard for the natural world.
Susan Lash Photography Gallery & Studio
Murray Hill Galleries #109
2026 Murray Hill Road
Cleveland OH 44106
Email: susanlashphoto@gmail.com
Call/Text: 216-703-7724
Contact Info:
- Website: https://susanlashphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanlashphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanlashphotography
