Rahshia G. Linendoll-Sawyer
202 725 5922 | www.rahshia.com | Rahshia@gmail.com | 209 Elizabeth Ct, Sterling Virginia
STATEMENT
The overarching theme for my constructed photography is reflection. Showing the image within images,
story within stories, and the idea within the ideas. Letting my photographs show both sides of an
ideology of binary oppositions of the Self/Other, reality/surrealism, images/ideas and
conscience/subconscious. My constructed photographs are mixed with symbols and imagery that
simultaneously reveal a non-linear narrative. It is like seeing an entire film in one frame. There is no
progression, no build up – just the image waiting to be seen – akin to Laurie Fendrich’s “quiet space” for
abstract painting.
I approach my projects with a series of questions about the Self. The Self is not simple. It includes the
ego, which is the point from which we experience the world, the limiting perspective, the “I.” It also
includes the body, the object “out there” in the world which “carries” the ego, and through which the
ego relates to the world. And finally, it includes the mind, the skills, the memories, and the accumulated
“residue” of the experiences, with which the ego relates to the world. The Self desires to maintain all
three of these things — ego, body, and mind — even though doing so may be in conflict.
ABOUT THE PROCESS
I am often asked, “How did you do that?” The short answer is, I construct my images – better said – I
construct environments to photograph. Traditionally photographers are seen as hunters of the image
(they go out and find something), I do the opposite I invent something. The environments are
temporary that deteriorate within hours, and all “effects” are done within the lens, no digital
manipulation.
BIO
Rahshia Linendoll Sawyer spent her younger years in Thailand with her parents. Having lived and
traveled the world she has a deep understanding of being - an other and an Outsider. She received her
BFA from the Corcoran College of Art & Design in 2004. Presently She is a MFA candidate in
Photography at George Mason University. She works predominately is in the constructed image creating
surreal fanatical worlds that signify the human experience.
EXHIBITIONS/GROUP SHOWS
2012
Dublin Biennial, Dublin, Ireland
2012
Imagination: A Smith Gallery, Johnson City, TX
2011
Distilled: Lana Santorelli Gallery, Hoboken, NJ
2011
Graduate Student Exhibition: GMU School of Art
2004
Black Milk: Marvelli Gallery, NYC, Curated by Monica Espinel
2004
All Senior Show: Corcoran College of Art and Design, Curated by Paul Roth
2004
Thesis Exhibition: Corcoran College of Art and Design
2002
Curator Twist 2: Intuition, Washington Project for the Arts\Corcoran
COLLECTIONS
Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington DC
AWARDS
2004
Placed in show International Photographic Competition
Professional Photographer Association
EDUCATION
2004
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Corcoran College of Art and Design, Washington DC
Fine Art Photography, Honors
2014 Masters of Fine Arts (expected graduation date)
School of Art, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Fine Art Photography