Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, Leah Saunders has been carrying the camera since the age of 12 to visit 27 of the United States, many Caribbean Islands, as well as France, Italy, and Switzerland. Why does she travel? Leah is always searching for the light. Photography is defined as the language of light. Leah uses it well.

After her father turned to drugs and street living, Leah constantly searched for the light. His family relocated and the neighborhood had plenty of dark places. Leah found the light.

What started as an escape from bullying in middle school (an after school program was recommended to her by her soccer coach, Mr. Bruce Green) led to a true get away that was just as pleasant as being in a dark room next to the janitors closet.

Leah Saunders studied Communication and French at the University of Cincinnati as well as training in classical ballet and modern dance at several schools during her travels. In her journey of different cultural experiences and languages the camera was never turned off as she began to head in a different direction by leaving campus. Her need to escape reality from a troubled childhood was constantly achieved by traveling and relocation but now as a mother of one son, 8, she has learned to shift the light in her life versus changing her physical state.

In her work, Leah constantly revisits the constructionist viewpoint of Communication Theory which considers how social phenomena develop in particular social contexts. Leah is also inspired by Polish poet and essayist, Wislava Szymborska who illuminates philosophical themes and obsessions. Her poems have inspired Leah to focus and embrace the condition of people both as individuals and as members of human society. Other influences include Simone Beauvoir, Anna Atkins, and Architect Salvatore J. Balsamo of Chicago who designs by light inspiration.

In her recent works, Leah introduces us to the Light Language of ancient Mayan culture.

This healing technique of the Curanderos (Master Healers) of Mexico is a spiritual evolution based upon ancient Mayan wisdom.

Leah explores this culture with her only child, Olivier, who is of Mayan ancestry. Leah was first introduced to this technique after she was diagnosed with a painful disease, Endometriosis, which affects millions of young women every day. Her son’s paternal great grandmother practices Light Language and has greatly influenced Leah. An adopted philosophy of Leah‘s is that “If we change what is in the higher bodies, the lower bodies will change to resonate with the energies that are coming from above. “

“I use photography as a means of healing and reconciling the mind with the body. I hope to inspire others to heal through shifting light and dancing with it to create a peaceful state of mind. My intention is to explore processes of healing as well as processes of taking photographs of natural shapes, refractions of light and graceful forms. I am interested in the tension and harmony between forms and light.

As an artist and mother, I believe life’s poignant moments emanate from the balance achieved when “Light Language” is heard amidst the chaotic lives we live. Children are messengers of this light and listening to them and allowing them to fully express themselves helps them prepare for their roles as healers.”

“It is my belief that as the light of my emotions affects what photograph, it affects everyone I photograph and strangers alike. If we envision ourselves as catchers of light waves, we can imagine and strive to control how we emanate and amplify our light back into time and space.