artist statement

Sarah C Butler's Portrait of a Maine Island is her latest work to date.  Portrait of a Maine Island takes us on a Journey around Mount Desert Island. Sarah takes us on a Journey, a journey layered with myth, metaphor and the many juxtapositions Island life holds.

Joseph Campbell defines myth as, "A secret opening to the world." I have shown you my secret opening. Given the viewer a foundation, and a point of departure. This opening at the head of Somes Sound - this is where the Journey begins.  From there we go to Northeast Harbor and are introduced to local character and faces. Faces we all know and recognize, those of us who live here year round, or return in the summer months year after year.

As far as a larger context. The inward Journeys we all have are similar, yet outwardly can take on very different appearances. This work speaks of Histories, things we hold on to. It speaks of our perceptions of people, how we relate to them by association of outward appearances, outward "things." Also how we make judgments according to outward appearances, allow ourselves to be different from others. The common bond between all my subjects is their connections to this place, this Island. The beauty of this place is appreciated by all. I have brought you around the landscape, guided by charts (nautical maps), and guided you by stones wrapped in charts, balanced upon one another. A cairn marking a trail. We are on journeys; here on Mount Desert Island is a place where many Journeys cross paths.

Butler Photographers with a 5X7 view camera, using both color and black +white film, and traditional printing techniques.

Commissioned portraits (as you will find on her web site) and private portraits (as seen in her new book) represent much of Butler's work to date.  She is available to do commissioned work – for more information, please contact Sarah.