Sandra Madelane

Sandra Madelane is a London-based fine art photographer whose work is deeply inspired by nature. She works with organic materials such as flowers, stones, leaves, and branches, drawn to their unpredictable qualities and inherent imperfections. These natural elements ground her practice, reflecting themes of fragility, beauty, and transformation that are central to her art. Each object contributes its unique texture and symbolism, becoming an integral part of her evocative compositions.

Sandra’s signature process involves creating still-life arrangements submerged underwater, where the interplay of light, water, and organic matter explores transformation, renewal, and the delicate balance of life. Her work often begins with personal reflections and evolves into broader meditations on life’s challenges and beauty, inviting viewers into a space of connection and contemplation.

Her photography has been exhibited in the BJP International Photography Award exhibition in London, group shows at Lilford Gallery & Framing, Fox Yard Studio, The Glasgow Gallery of Photography, Chester Photo Festival, as well as online showcases with ARTDOC Photography Magazine.

Sandra’s work has been featured in publications such as Rakesprogress, Suboart Magazine and Arts To Hearts Magazine, alongside interviews and features on platforms like Culturamas and Visionary Projects, where she has shared insights into her artistic practice.

“Rooted in nature and personal reflection, my work explores the quiet beauty of fragility, transformation, and the rhythms of change.”

6 questions with Sandra Madelane

We ask our emerging artists 6 questions to uncover what drives their work, practice, and creativity.

What themes or questions do you find recurring in your work?

My work explores the relation between photography and the classical arts, such as painting and sculpture. I’m particularly drawn to still-life compositions, which I submerge underwater before photographing. My art starts from me. I explore my own anxieties and the process of overcoming the challenges they pose me. As I work, these personal themes evolve, turning into a contemplation of universal ideas. Through natural materials, fluid forms, and the use of colour, I aim to create art that reflects not only my personal journey but also invites viewers to contemplate life’s broader complexities.

Can you describe a pivotal moment in your journey as an artist?

There hasn’t been one single turning point, but rather a series of quiet affirmations that have shaped my path. Every exhibition, every publication, every print that finds a home—each one feels like a small but meaningful milestone. As an emerging artist, these moments build a sense of purpose and remind me that the work I make can resonate with others. It’s in these steady, cumulative gestures that my journey continues to unfold.

What materials or processes are most important in your practice - and why?

Nature is my primary and constant source of inspiration. I work with naturally found materials such as flowers, stones, leaves, and branches. I am drawn to these materials for their organic and unpredictable qualities, which ground me in the natural world and deepen my connection to the themes I explore. Each object carries its own texture and symbolism, contributing with its uniqueness to every piece. The inherent imperfections of these materials reflect themes of fragility, beauty, and transformation at the basis of my work.

How do you want people to feel when they experience your work?

The emotions I aim to convey revolve around the cycles of life—birth, decay, and renewal. There is a sense of surrender embedded in my process, a need to let go and allow the materials themselves to lead me. This speaks to the fragility of life, but also to the beauty and strength that can be found in dissolution and decay through imperfections and transformations.

What does a typical day in your studio look like?

My creative process varies depending on the project, but it usually begins in one of two ways: with a visual image or a concept. Sometimes, I see an object, like a flower, and feel drawn to experiment with it. I let the object guide me, exploring the emotions it evokes and reflecting on why it resonates with me. Other times, I start with a concept or theme I want to explore and find materials that best express it. It’s a process of discovery, as I uncover the meaning where the object or concept is leading me. For me the process of creating the image is as important as the final piece.

What dreams or hopes do you have for your artistic journey?

I hope to remain open—to stay inspired and to keep noticing the quiet wonder in small, everyday things. I want to hold on to the curiosity that first led me to create. Above all, I hope to find and refine my voice, to make work that is honest and thoughtful, and to contribute something of value to the conversation. If I can keep evolving while staying true to what moves me, then I will feel I’ve stayed on the right path.