The Artist
Sherri Mabe’s heritage is deeply rooted in the historical farmer settlers of Colorado’s prairie lands, the Spanish Colonial families of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Pueblo peoples of New Mexico. This connection to the land and its history serves as a significant influence on her work.
Sherri began her photographic journey more than 40 years ago with film and the darkroom in the Pacific Northwest. After returning to college to study black and white analog photography, she discovered Kodak’s HIE infrared film in 1996, marking the beginning of her focus on infrared photography. In 2006, Sherri transitioned to the digital world with her first converted camera, a Nikon D-70. She later moved to the Sony mirrorless system in 2016 for its advantages in contrast, sharpness, size, and handheld capabilities. Sherri prefers the 720nm infrared conversion for its similarities in appearance to Kodak HIE.
“Sherri’s focus is on environmental, historical, and cultural documentation, and she’s drawn to capturing the whispers of the past. She believes that people want photography to evoke a memory, to touch their heart, or to instill a feeling of familiarity in their bones. A pensive, honest, silent photographer, Sherri enjoys the solitude of being alone anywhere in nature and letting her subjects present themselves, touching the land, and listening to ghosts dancing in the past. Infrared photography has given a voice to her vision, allowing her to share the unique way she connects with the land that she loves.”
Cynthia Haynes, Senior Editor, Craft and Vision Magazine
Sherri is currently focused on photographing the incredible vistas and historical landmarks of the American West. This region serves as both her personal and artistic muse. Her preference lies in the prairie and desert environments, drawn to them for both personal reasons and as a source of artistic inspiration. Despite this preference, she also explores other locations both close to home and through travel. She sees infrared photography as a transformative medium that enhances the land in a way that aligns with its inherent qualities. The use of infrared light allows her to present the landscapes in a timeless and ethereal manner. Infrared photography, illuminates the austere ruggedness of western scenes, emphasizing the silent beauty of prairies and capturing the haunting vastness of deserts. Sherri has a deep appreciation for the unique characteristics and atmospheres of these environments. Describing herself as someone “grown in its soil and cultivated by its spirit,” her affinity for the West goes beyond a mere artistic subject—it’s a personal connection that influences her creative vision and choice of subject matter.
“I very strongly believe that if you go back to your roots, if you mine that inner territory, you can bring out something that is indelibly you and authentic -like your thumbprint. It’s going to have your style because there is no one like you.” Joyce Tenneson
