We recently had the pleasure of welcoming acclaimed documentary and editorial photographer, Siân Davey, into our studio for an inspiring Little Bird Talk.
After a career as a psychotherapist, she made a bold transition into the world of photography, where she now creates profound visual narratives that draw deeply from her personal experiences, especially her role as a mother.
During her talk, Siân took us on an intimate journey through her creative process, revealing how she has turned life’s complexities and challenges into stunning works of art. Her work is both raw and deeply personal, offering a window into the delicate and often unspoken dynamics of family life.
One of her most intimate projects, Looking for Alice, explores her relationship with her daughter Alice, who was born with Down syndrome. This beautiful series captures Alice’s place within the family, challenging societal expectations and embracing the uniqueness of their bond. Siân’s sensitivity to her subject is clear, creating images that are both tender and thought-provoking.
Siân’s next project, Martha, follows her eldest daughter through adolescence, offering a candid glimpse into the unfiltered world of a 16-year-old. These raw, emotional portraits reveal Martha navigating the challenges of growing up, providing an authentic view of youth in transition.
In 2020, as the world was grappling with the uncertainty of a global pandemic, Siân found solace in her own backyard—literally. With the help of her son Luke, their once-abandoned garden became their sanctuary, and over time, they transformed it into a wild, untamed oasis of wildflowers. Siân began inviting people into her garden, photographing them in this natural, blooming landscape. The result is a body of work that speaks to the connection between nature and humanity, and the healing power of both.
For those interested, you can still catch The Garden exhibition at The Photographers’ Gallery until November 29.
Now, Siân is shifting her focus to nurturing the next generation of creative talents. She has begun offering retreat workshops, to foster the talent of budding creatives/
Siân Davey’s journey from psychotherapist to acclaimed photographer is a testament to the power of following your passion and using art to explore life’s most complex emotions. Her work reminds us that beauty can be found in life’s imperfections and that, through creativity, we can find meaning in our most challenging experiences.
Whether through the eyes of her children or the wildflowers in her garden, Siân’s photography continues to captivate, inspire, and move audiences around the world. We can’t wait to see where her artistic journey takes her next!