Steve Gallagher: fine art photography inspired by the sea and flora

Introducing fine art photographer, Steve Gallagher, who specialises in intricate floral studies and breathtaking seascapes. With his background in fashion photography, Steve picked up his camera again during the first Covid-19 lockdown, this time to capture the ever-changing beauty of the sea near his home and the awe-inspiring details of flora in his garden.

Here we chat with Steve about his journey into the art world so far..

Can you tell us your backstory and how you got into the art world?

I was born in the American Midwest and graduated with a Batchelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Visual Design and Photography from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). I worked in fashion photography in Chicago, Miami and New York, before developing an interest in graphic design.

I built a successful career in advertising and digital design before moving to the UK with my family in 2002. In 2019, we moved to a house next to the sea in Worthing on the south coast, where my love of photography was reignited by the beauty of the Sussex Downs and the ever-changing nature of the local shoreline and the sea.

The first COVID-19 lockdown inspired me to pick up my camera again and focused my attention on the only two subjects I could access: the sea views on my doorstep and flowers from our garden. For both my seascapes and floral portraits I aim to bring out the detail and richness of the subject. I hope the viewer will stop and take a much closer look.

How would you describe your signature style and technique?

My practice was developed entirely during the lockdowns of COVID-19, and was shaped by the subjects I could access: beach and sea scenes from the local area, and flowers from my garden and those of our neighbours. I am fortunate to live on the coast and to be able to enjoy the ever-changing sea views which provide me with daily inspiration, and have enabled me to build a portfolio of seascapes at all times of the day and in all weathers.

I have a studio behind my house where I spend many hours capturing the smallest details of my floral subjects, and adapting backgrounds and framing to bring out the richness and variety of their natural beauty. Over the past year I have been experimenting with Lenticular 3D prints along with printing my photographs on cloth, steel and glass.

Which artists have had a big influence on your work?

Irving Penn, Peter Lindbergh, Robert Mapplethorpe, Nick Knight, Turner’s seascapes.

Where did you exhibit your artwork and are there any exhibitions or events that are in plans for the rest of 2023? 

I had my first exhibition in September 2020, and started exhibiting locally in 2021. Most recently, I have exhibited at The Other Art Fair in London, Sussex Art Fair in Chichester (May, 2023) , a group show named, UNMUTED at Somerset House in London (June, 2023). And solo shows at Colonnade House in Worthing (Mar, 2023) and Star Brewery Gallery in Lewes (June, 2023).

You can find “Iridescent” at the Atelier Beside The Sea gallery in Brighton until 3rd September 2023. Additionally, I’m part of The Art of Biodiversity, a group exhibition at Star Brewery Gallery in Lewes from 2nd to 17th September, and you can find six images of mine at 67 Pall Mall exhibition – a private members club devoted to fine wine. The exhibition is a collaboration between 67 Pall Mall and Interrupted Art and runs until 17th September.

I’m also taking part in ART:SURREY. You can find me on Stand 6, Epsom Downs Racecourse, between 6th and 8th October 2023. Then in October, I’m one of twenty artists who have been asked to create a piece of artwork to be sold as part of Charity: Water project at the upcoming ‘The Other Art Fair‘ at Truman Brewery, London from 12th to 15th October.

What is the best advice you received as an artist?

Take your time and enjoy what you do. Simple, but effective!

For more information please visit Steve Gallagher’s website: stevegallagher.art

Cover photo: The Six Guardians printed on Fotospeed High White Smooth 315gsm paper using a giclée fine art printing process.

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