Artist Profile: London Red + Lifestyle Photography
Southern California Artist, Sharleen Marie
Originally published in 2011
In 2010 London Red was founded by Sharleen Marie. A Lifestyle company and artist branding agency, London Red unveils the lives of surfers, artists and creatives through photography and short films.
What is the main goal of London Red?
London Red was created to promote the lives of those who are living their dreams, one day at a time. I was inspired to see who these individuals were; I wanted to find out their passions and see the lives they lived behind the camera. I wanted to find out who inspired them to follow their dreams, and learn about their daily lives, so London Red was born out of that curiosity.
Each man and woman featured on London Red has allowed me to step into their lives. They’ve shared their stories, time and passions with me. It’s such an honor to have that built trust.
It’s my desire for the world to see these beautiful people as I do.
What are your passions?
I am passionate for causes, beauty, nature, time with God and life. if I could escape into the hills and roam about freely for the rest of my life, I would. Early morning sunrises and starry nights fill me with a sense of wonder. Steaming cups of coffee, flannel shirts and the ocean make me smile.
What inspired you to become a filmmaker and photographer?
I grew up playing with cameras and shooting rolls of film, but it wasn’t until I lived in France, years later, that became intrigued with the people around me. At that time, I was too shy to take the photos I wanted to, so instead I would mentally document life happening around me. The moment the cigarette smoke rose in the hazy sun-lit dining room in the Southern France. The glasses of wine sitting on the red checkered table cloth, the springtime markets bustling with young and old. The teenagers sitting at the sidewalk cafés, with motorcycle helmets at their feet. I was soaking all of the imagery up in my mind. Years later, I decided to document lives, for this purpose; to capture the rugged and raw beauty all around me that spoke to my soul.