What kind of artist are you?
I’m a fine art and portrait photographer.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Sieper, La., which is 20 miles south of Alexandria. There are no stop lights, and we had to fight the state to not take our post office away, but there were TWO rodeo arenas and a K-12 school.
How long have you lived in Shreveport?
I moved here in 2010 from Lafayette to be with the man I love.
What’s your favorite place/thing to do in Shreveport-Bossier?
I love going to see my friends’ bands, seeing movies at the Robinson Film Center, catching the downtown pub crawl, and, of course, going to the numerous thrift stores that SBC has to offer.
What’s your favorite color?
I have different favorites for different situations, but the color I find myself attracted to in all situations is purple.
What are your favorite colors to use in your art? Why?
I find that I use white a lot. A blank slate of sorts, I guess?
What was the first piece of art you ever completed?
The first art I ever consciously made was in college. I did an installation in a class that was centered around my annoyance with my then-boyfriend who drank too much. It included many empty beer bottles and homemade labels with photographs of him.
If you had unlimited funds, what would you do?
I would give to those who need, and I would travel.
If you could be any animal what would you be?
I would be my enormously fat and happy house cat, Miss Kitty.
What does being an artist mean to you?
It means freedom to express my feelings and ideas in any way I’d like. It means happiness.
How, if at all, has the Shreveport-Bossier artistic scene changed while you’ve been working within it?
I’m pretty new, so it hasn’t really changed for me, but I have to say that I am so impressed with the level of artistic talent and the overall spirit of the scene we have here.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I always knew I was artistic. I knew that I wanted to take it more seriously after going to college and being around other people who were studying and creating art. My high school had no arts programs, so it was a very new and fulfilling experience.
Did you have any idols/role models that helped facilitate this dream?
My favorite artists are Tim Walker and Barry McGee. They inspire me to this day. My first art teacher, Joey Slaughter, was the first person to encourage my art, and I will forever credit him with my continued pursuit.
What words of advice would you give to young – or old – people pursuing an artistic life..?
Save money when you get it.
What do you hope people feel from looking at your work? Gain? Experience?
I can’t expect them to feel a certain way. I’m just happy if they look at all.
What do you like on your hamburger? Or are you vegan?
Cheese, pickles and mustard, please.
– See more at: http://heliopolissbc.com/Article/artist-profile-photographer-sarah-lyles#sthash.rUHIHuT1.dpuf