Respect for nature starts with a relationship to nature.
All of my work is inspired by my relationship with the living ecosystems around me. Whether it’s camping, gardening, fishing or hiking, I wish I could spend every day outside. These activities force me to consider the co-existence of humans and nature and allows me to see that we are a part of nature, not outside of it. Studies in the natural sciences also play a huge role in how I think and create.
Expertizes
Photography
I hold a BFA and MFA in photography and have also photographed professionally for museums and taught photography in numerous other capacities. Photography is at the forefront of my practice and shapes everything else I do.
Collections
Working with archives and collections is one of my favorite things. I previously worked as a collections manager at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Geology Museum. I also hold my own scientific collectors permit from the Wisconsin DNR that allows me to create my own private collection for use in my works.
Illustration
Drawing and painting support my practice and is something I pursue on a commission basis. I have finished commissions for the Wisconsin Cartography Project where I was able to conserve a geological relief model from the 1800’s.
Stewardship
Caring for the environment is the most important piece of my art practice. I do everything I can to contribute to shaping it in a positive way each time I venture out.
Experiences
Curator
2017-Present
Currently I am the lead curator at the Arts + Literature Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin. Previously I have curated at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and I frequently use curating skills in my own artistic practice.
Writer and Editor
2011-2019
I worked directly with Aline Smithson on LENSCRATCH. This was truly one of my favorite professional experiences. I especially loved writing book reviews.
Preparator
2019-Present
I worked as a preparator at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art for three years. Many of those skills have crossed over into my current position as lead curator at the Arts + Literature Laboratory. Working directly with art every day is rewarding and I frequently get the opportunity to meet other artists while on the job.
Collections Manager
2019-2019
At the University of Wisconsin-Geology Museum I assisted Curator, Carrie Eaton, on the vast collections at the museum, including photographing and cataloguing thousands of specimens.
Sarah J Stankey 