Meet Madolyn Locke of SylverLight

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madolyn Locke.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Alabama, but have lived in Atlanta long enough to consider myself a native. I received my first ‘real’ camera from my uncle when I was 13 and was immediately captivated. Photography was set aside for a while, however, as I dove into the world of Theatre throughout high school and then as a BFA major at Auburn University.

It wasn’t until (many) years later that I rediscovered my passion for the art form and decided to get serious about my work. Initially, I did what a lot of ‘new’ photographers do – tried to do it all. Headshots, Family Portraits, Events, even a handful of Weddings. It was ok, but not what I wanted. And the market for commercial photographers in Atlanta is pretty saturated – there are SO many absolutely amazing photographers already established and doing all that type of work. I didn’t have the drive to compete with them.

So I did some thinking and realized that what really fed my soul was fine art photography. That, and my status as an unapologetic geek-girl, led me to Science Fiction and Fantasy Art. It’s a genre that is extremely dominated by traditional artists and illustrators… so carving out a niche for myself as a photographer and digital artist has been an interesting ride. There are scores of stunningly talented artists in the genre, and I’m inspired every day to keep pushing my own work. In the past year, I’ve started exploring the process of adding hand-painted details to canvas prints of my pieces and thinking of ways to push boundaries and think creatively out of the box.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, definitely not a smooth road. But then again, we’re never promised that are we? And if I’m being honest, I think the harder we have to work for something, the more we appreciate it.

Finding time to pursue my art while holding down a full-time job definitely has its challenges. ‘Work/Life Balance’ goes out the window… there is no time for slacking off. I’m always working on something. I’ve even occasionally been told I’m not a “real” artist because I have a day job. And that’s just nuts.

But if I’m honest, I think trying to break into an art form so dominated by illustrators when I can’t draw has probably been the most challenging part. I sometimes joke with artist friends that all they need is paper and a pencil… whereas I have to find models, costuming, hair & makeup pros, props, locations, equipment… the list is endless. But every time a piece comes together – it’s absolutely worth it. And I truly adore working with models – it makes the whole process so much fun!

I think the key is to not see obstacles as ‘road blocks’ – they only stop you if you let them. Instead, see them as opportunities – to find creative solutions and push yourself to be even better.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the SylverLight story. Tell us more about the business.
Under the studio name of SylverLight, I am a fantasy fine-art photographer and digital artist. I shoot my source material and then edit in Photoshop (sometimes minimally, sometimes extensively) to achieve the final piece. I specialize in creating fantastical worlds where the viewer can dream, escape, fall in love, or perhaps even find themselves. I want to challenge and inspire my audience… perhaps even transport them.

I’m known for my unique style of mixing photographs with the fantastical. Merging dreams with reality. Photorealism is an artistic style, but my work starts with actual photographs. I have been honored to be a part of the art shows at major SFF conventions across the country & in Canada, as well as having one of my pieces featured in a gallery in New York City’s Chelsea district. An annual highlight the past several years has been my selection to show at the DragonCon Art Show, where I won ‘Best Photography’ in 2018, and ‘Best Photography & Digital Art’ in 2019.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It’s hard to speculate on where the SFF Art community will be headed, honestly. So much of what we do is driven by what the audience wants to see. It’s a symbiotic relationship, and we constantly challenge and change each other. I’m excited to see the unique ways that my fellow artists (and myself) find to grow artistically in this increasingly digital age. It’s only going to keep getting better!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sylverlight.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylverlightphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SylverLight/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/madolynlocke

Image Credit:
(c) SylverLight, Madolyn Locke

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