1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
My name is Sara Sbrissa, artistically known as Sama Sbrissa, and I have been a professional photographer for over 20 years. I have always been fascinated by photography since I was a child; I remember that at the age of 4, I held my grandfather's equipment cases.
I believe it was my grandfather, Angelo who instilled in me the love for photography, his passion, attention to detail, sensitivity, and care. At first, it was a game; then it became a necessity. If I didn't have a disposable camera at hand, I felt like I was missing something; I had to capture the moment and freeze time.
2Where did you study photography?
I studied photography at ISFAV, the Institute of Photography and Visual Arts in Padua, with excellent teachers like Gastone Scarabello, who instilled in me a love for the darkroom, and Renzo Saviolo, who filled my mind and heart with images from the history of photography. I worked in a small photography lab in the mornings and on weekends to pay for my studies, but thanks to Roberto Sordi in the studio, I discovered true photography with the view of camera. Eight hours to take one shot; that's real learning!
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
My first shot was taken with my mom's reflex camera because she was also passionate about photography. I composed it at the age of 12 above my bed, with a blue sheet and a red apple. A lover of the surrealist movement, I wanted to capture a light reminiscent of Magritte's paintings. I didn't yet know the equipment, and I lit the bed with garden lights that ended up burning the headboard.
The first shot was really in focus! I also enjoyed photographing my brother's hands against the backdrop of the sky. Always thoughtful and creating shots, I rarely like to take the real thing.
4What equipment do you use?
My equipment has always been Canon. I believe a good photo can be taken with a steady hand, an attentive eye, head, and heart, not necessarily with expensive lenses and cameras. Nevertheless, I am a Canon user.
5What do you hope to achieve?
I just hope to be able to evoke emotions in those who view my photographs; it doesn't matter what emotion they may feel, the important thing is to stir something in others with an image.
6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
Let's say that at my first exhibition, a negative comment from a woman who said, "I don't understand these things," referring to one of my collages, made me realize that one must find a general key to express oneself. Sometimes, you can't just throw your emotions and thoughts into art; if exposed to others, they must be filtered, explained, and translated.
7What inspires your unique storytelling?
I wish I could have 22 lives to express and create all my projects. Every day, a new one is born; I wish I had more time to bring all my ideas to life. My inspirations mainly come from emotions, and I love discovering everything. I am very curious and get passionate about things I like.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the New York Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
I am very happy about this victory, especially since it happened on the anniversary of the death of a little girl who grew inside me two years ago. An angel for me, now manifested in this way.
9Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the New York Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
I am working on this project with manual collages. I feel more like a craftsman than an artist, and I enjoy touching and working with materials rather than with a computer. I am transforming my old artistic nude shots into new collages, now animals, but soon also plants and flowers. I simply place them together and photograph them, only to destroy them and create new ones.
10How has winning an award developed your career?
I am happy to receive some recognition because for years, I did not expose myself to external judgment.
11Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
I am passionate about the photographer Diane Arbus, both for her photographs and her sensitivity to life, as well as for the unique shots of Francesca Woodman, which I find brilliant in their simplicity, and I am always fascinated by Joel Peter Witkin, to whom I would gladly donate my corpse once dead to live again in his shots.
12What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
The best advice comes to me daily from my love, whom I married, who encourages me to do, to create, and helps me translate the ephemeral softness of my thoughts into tangible and readable material. Love Pigi!
13What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Guys, learn to look through a viewfinder, not a screen! Use your hands; get dirty! Less computer and phone, more hands-on activities. Return to the essence!
14What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Humility, freedom, and creativity. Do not let yourself be too influenced by everything your eyes consume daily. Being able to let the heart speak is the goal, even if just for one person.
15How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Always be curious and put passion into what you do.
16Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I thank my family, all of them, for their daily love and support.
