Artist Sarah Ahearn ~ Thea Coughlin Photographer Albany NY

I remember meeting Sarah Ahearn’s work at the Squam Art Fair 2008. I say meeting her work, because I had a table at vendor night 2008 and was pretty occupied setting up and manning  my table, so a lot of the evening outside of that was a blur.

At one point I asked Denise to watch my table so I could make a quick round through the room to see everyone’s work and snap a few photographs. I remember rounding the corner and my brain going “boing” **insert cartoon eyeball popping**as the beautiful colors and detail of Sarah’s work enveloped me. As I passed by, Sarah was talking with a customer, so I didn’t get the chance to meet her, but her work made such an impression on me.

This past spring I was honored when Sarah contacted me to have a photo session. I was super excited to find that she lives only and hour and forty five minutes from me. We decided that we would meet up in Northampton to do the shoot in her new home.

When I arrived, I was welcomed by Sarah’s warm smile and gentle nature. I couldn’t help but photograph some of the details around her house, and she wasn’t even fully settled in when I visited!

We talked about artists communities on and off line, her experience returning to MA after living in Ithaca, art shows, and most importantly about her work.

At one point we started talking about inspiration and she turned on a song list she had just compiled. Song after song I found myself saying “I love this song, and this song….” and then we started to dance around her studio giggling. Spontaneous dancing may seem to fit my personality, but it is not something that comes easily for me. There is something a bit more lighthearted or carefree about freely dancing with someone than is usual for me. Goofy and silly I can do, deep and reflective, is easy, but carefree? Not so easy. This is why in that moment I felt a very special bond with Sarah. I felt so relaxed and connected creatively during our visit, that dancing together seemed a natural thing to do.

We took a walk to a fun coffee shop and then strolled down to the water.

Her husband came down for a quick hello and then walked with us back toward their house for lunch.

Sarah and I took a small detour to stop in a little garden for a few photographs.

I must say it was such a delightful afternoon.

I hope you enjoy the photographs.