Meet The Maker

Hi, I’m Stephanie Lightbown, an artist and photographer living and working in Scotland.

My work draws inspiration from the natural world, with a focus on exploring textures, forms, and abstract compositions. From the rugged landscapes to the rich, hidden beauty of the coastline, I use photography as a starting point, capturing the essence of the land and sea. But my process goes beyond documentation—it's about stripping away the recognisable details to reveal the intricate, often unseen qualities beneath the surface.

My creative journey...

Has led me to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. I draw from historic techniques like bookbinding, embroidery, and fine art photography, while incorporating contemporary methods like digital software and laser cutting. These approaches allow me to craft precise, detailed artworks that are often enclosed within box frames, creating a sense of containment and focus on each element within the composition. The box itself becomes a form of exploration, where I can emphasize relationships between textures, forms, and materials.

A major part of my work is rooted in the abstraction of nature...

In particular seaweed and the tidal zones where land and water meet. I’m particularly fascinated by the way individual strands of seaweed intertwine along the shoreline, creating complex patterns that I reimagine through my art. By deconstructing these elements and using techniques such as collage, digital design, material manipulation, and laser cutting, I create layered surfaces that evoke the multi-dimensional qualities of the tidal belt. Each piece I make is carefully planned, where subtraction, repetition, and layering are essential to building compositions that are both minimal and rich in texture.

I’m constantly inspired by my surroundings...

Living near the shoreline, I regularly gather objects from nature during my walks—things like seaweed, stones, and driftwood—which often find their way into my work. This process of collecting, rearranging, and reinterpreting the natural world is a key part of my artistic practice. My work is not only about representing nature but also about creating a tactile connection to it, using materials that reflect its beauty in a minimalistic, understated way.

Ultimately, my art is about creating a sense of place...

Whether that’s through a specific landscape, the textures of seaweed, or the layers of material I work with. I aim to evoke the feeling of nature’s complexity and simplicity in a way that speaks to the viewer, allowing them to experience the world in a new, more intimate way. If you would like to find out more about my artwork and commissions, then contact me on the button below...

Get in touch