What's the point of beauty? What's the point of art? Questions, I've asked myself for decades really honestly and I had absolutely no idea that Maryam Eisler's entire project is tied up in those questions until today. This is a woman who I've known for for ten years and admired and enjoyed her patronage of the arts, her ability to create beautiful photographs, her generosity - everything. But I didn't know until this moment that what she's really seeking is to kind of help us all look at beauty and feel awe. And that's it, whether it's in her own work or through her own work, or through looking at and celebrating other artists. And this makes her extraordinary. This makes her just epic and awesome. And hopefully, you'll know exactly what I mean when you watch our conversation (just hit play above), but also when you look at her work.

-Carrie

In an era of uncertainty and rapid change, celebrated photographer Maryam Eisler explores the profound connection between beauty, nature, and artistic expression. Her work challenges us to pause, reflect, and rediscover the awe-inspiring elements that surround us.

The Quest for Beauty in Photography

At the heart of Eisler's artistic journey lies a fundamental question: What is the purpose of beauty and art? Through her lens, she elevates both women and nature to pedestals of admiration, creating visual narratives that transcend mere aesthetics. Her approach is deeply rooted in the belief that both woman and nature represent the essence of creation itself.

Nature as Divine Inspiration

Drawing parallels with artistic legends like Georgia O'Keeffe, Eisler discusses how specific locations become sacred spaces for creative expression. Her work in remote landscapes mirrors her approach to photographing women - both shot from below, both treated with reverence and wonder.

Photography as Meditation

For Eisler, photography serves as more than just an artistic medium - it's her form of meditation, her "Xanax." Behind the camera, she finds her moment of truth and peace, disconnecting from life's daily pressures. While the process begins as a personal journey, the resulting works become shared experiences of beauty and contemplation.

Balancing Light and Heavy Themes

Eisler's work masterfully navigates between weightier philosophical themes and lighter, beauty-focused pieces. Her project "West West: Twin Perspectives of the American West" exemplifies this duality, combining stunning visuals with deep explorations of contemporary issues like societal division and human connection.

The Necessity of Beauty in Uncertain Times

In our rapidly evolving world, marked by geopolitical tensions and technological advancement, Eisler advocates for beauty as essential rather than superficial. She creates visual sanctuaries that offer moments of escape and contemplation, proving that beauty can serve as both anchor and inspiration.

Art as a Bridge to Hope

Inspired by works like Magritte's "Empire of Light," Eisler's photography consistently returns to themes of hope and beauty. Her work demonstrates how visual art can create powerful dialogues between beautiful ideas and imagery, encouraging viewers to pause and simply be present in the moment.

In a world that often dismisses beauty as frivolous, Eisler's work stands as a testament to its fundamental importance in human experience. Through her photography, she reminds us that beauty isn't just decoration - it's a gateway to deeper understanding and spiritual connection.

The Power of Beauty and Art: A Conversation with Photographer Maryam Eisler