love and colour from morocco — a feature and conversation with slow journal magazine.

Slow Journal ‘Folk’ Issue Fourteen is out now and available to purchase internationally in print in Australia, Japan, Norway, Canada, New Zealand and online

Slow Journal: We caught up with Sarah after she landed back in Morocco following her last visit to Australia. Bringing together a gallery of her past and present work over intermittent access to the digital world as her and her partner Jamal awaited their home internet to be installed. After weeks of waiting to come online she muses "It is Africa after all." The slower pace of life in the little village in Morocco where she now resides is beautifully reflected in her imagery, bringing a sense of peace and calm to her audience. Each photograph tells a story, capturing the essence of daily life in a way that feels both timeless and intimate, a testament to Sarah's ability to find beauty in simplicity.

"My whole heart is in awe of the way sun paints earthen walls with her warmth as she closes each day and drifts into the night - her setting sunbeams unfolding every shade of ochre. These special clay walls hug Morocco's medina's. remembering and protecting the most ancient precious parts of each wonderful city"

Slow Journal: When did you begin taking photos and how has it evolved into a career?

Sarah: "Photography has always been my sanctuary, from a young age photography has been a beautiful creative outlet for me. As someone who's naturally introspective and reserved, it's through the lens that I found my voice, expressing myself through imagery when my words would rest unspoken.

I started capturing moments that felt special to me on my parents film and polaroid cameras when I was young, and loved learning the way sun's presence in different forms would alter my imagery. In my teenage vears I had the opportunity to capture with my grandfather's vintage film cameras, my father's camera that captured photos onto floppy discs, and many other medium's, before owning my first sir digital camera at the age of seventeen. I have always loved looking through the viewfinder - it's taught me to let go of the outside world and embrace the present moment, whilst tuning into the finer details and preciousness of each passing moment in life.

Upon finishing school I followed my father's and grandfather's footsteps into the building and architecture industry, this chapter of life inspired my love for architectural photography, and capturing the poetry and beauty of special hotels and residences around the world.

I have always loved to share the beauty I see the world through my photography - from a young age I started receiving beautifully warm feedback and messages of encouragement, and this naturally grew into people and brands reaching out to me to work together and embrace my creativity to capture dreamy scenes for others.

My partner Jamal is beyond supportive and has always encouraged my work and art. Jamal inspired me to peruse my career in photography, and I feel grateful to have opportunities to create beautiful imagery here in Morocco and around the world, for people, hotels, architectural residences and brands who resonate with my work, and whose philosophy and morals align with my own."

“We follow natures lovely way through the fields, admiring daily changes and new gifts blooming with each season. Ancient olive trees and date palms line earth water streams, far beyond where eyes can see. Each tribe's field becomes full of life on their rotating water days, with locals travelling by foot, bike or donkey to their families fields to invite water in.”

Slow Journal: Tell me about your travels and first impressions of Morocco?

Sarah: "When I was nineteen I started travelling solo, a truly wholesome experience of self discovery. life leanings and unlearnings. I am forever grateful for the freedom and privilege of travel.

My first visit to Morocco was in 2010. I instantly felt a connection to the land and way of life — I felt a true sense of belonging in my soul.

Humanity, immense love and togetherness are present here, and gently woven into every day life.

Travel will always be a part of my life, with Jamal by my side, we love to travel slowly and gently to quiet islands and destinations — often in low seasons, when mother nature is resting. We walk distances and immerse ourselves in local food, art, culture learning the unique natural beauty of each special place."

Slow Journal: What is life like now, living in a small village in Morocco?

Sarah: "I am learning the language of the land, my heart feels at peace living in rhythm with nature and her seasons. Life is simple, things are grown, made, cared for and shared, it's an authentic beauty and wholesome way of life, that constantly reminds me to pause, breathe and appreciate the present moment.

I love our treasured daily rituals - our journeys by foot through loved lands filled with wondrous things.

Each day is different and there is always something to prepare or harvest in the garden. Cracking almonds, preparing tajines with Jamal's sister, practicing my language learnings with the ladies in the fields - these are the moments I cherish."

“Being an artist in residence within the Riad Berbere sanctuary in 2023 feels like a dream - an immersive creative journey and grounding experience. I am thankful for Sandrine Henry and the Riad Berbere family for this sacred time to focus solely on creating imagery from my heart.

These woven moments captured in residency exist somewhere between my imagination and a humbling space of calm, and are stories from a wider body of work poetry of architecture on exhibition in Marrakech.”

“Traditional Berber homes made with clay, hands and hearts are such beautiful shelters made from nature. Connected to the earth they naturally regulate temperature in the extreme heat of Summer and cold of Winter.

These special architectural homes are treasured, loved and cared for through generations of families.”

“Our days begin and end with the sun. Embracing each morning with a wander in the garden.

I take in the sounds of birdsong, chickens, sheep and surrounding donkeys and cows welcoming a new day - simultaneously with the morning call to prayer that echos between mosques, through the valley fields.”

image 1 - Timeworn earthen homes are grounded into the scenery and surrounding atlas mountains — inspiring a natural way of living.

image 2 - On Mondays we go to souk.

image 3 - A sometimes journey across country, when the sea calls our names.

Slow Journal: What are some of the contrasts between your life in Australia and your life now immersed in berber culture?

Sarah: "In Morocco we live seasonally, guided by sun and moon. My whole heart is in awe of the Berber celebrations, routines, and traditions - each one carrying a beautiful sense of love, community and togetherness. Every walk through the olive grove and fields, and cach special scasonal harvest fills my heart with an abundance of gratitude and joy. I adore learning the berber language locally and dream to someday soon speak and think fluently. imir simir, little by little."

Slow Journal: When are you happiest?

Sarah: "A conversation with a friend, a shared pot of tea, moments in nature, practicing my art everyday, being amongst the olive harvest and water days in the fields, being present with my love, quality time with my grandmother, my family and my friends. Life unhurried - these are the gifts of life and i believe this is where life's purest moments are interwoven. Peace in a moment where we can just be - and always with a camera in hand.

Beginning this month, I will have a photographic story 'poetry of architecture on exhibition at thirtysive coffee house and art gallery in Marrakech. A special series I captured during my artist residency at Riad Berbere sanctuary in twenty twenty three.”