Sarah Straussberg creates 4th Photo London ‘Master of Photography’ Trophy

Her commission was landed after the 2018 trophy went to Edward Burtynsky whose work focuses on the damage man has caused the earth through industry and mining.

The Canadian photographer uses cutting edge technology to create large scale photographs - often two metres wide - depicting areas of human intervention such as his aerial picture of the open pit copper mine at Logan Lake, British Columbia.

As she has done previously, Straussberg immersed herself in the winner's work to conceive and design an original trophy for Burtynsky, known as one of the world's most respected photographers.

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Photo London since its launch in 2015," said Straussberg, . 

"Having created the ‘Master of Photography’ award for previous winners Sebastião Salgado, Don McCullin, and Taryn Simon, I was thrilled this year to design an original piece of work for another hugely talented photographic artist, Edward Burtynsky.

"To begin, I spent some time immersing myself in his work, drawn to the birds-eye view he uses and the incredible detail of textures and vibrant colour he captures. Listening to Burtynsky describe the photographs as a documentation of what we as humans do to our earth really inspired me to keep the design clean, simple and a reflection of his ideas. 

"The choice of materials was crucial in accentuating both the origins of the idea and the bold feel of the design. As this collection of Burtynsky’s work is about industry and mining, I wanted to use tough, uncompromising materials. 

Burtynsky's Saw Mills #1, Lagos, Nigeria, 2016

"Sterling silver sheet was manipulated into a column with one curved edge, alongside Jesmonite, a composite resin that is commonly used to repair buildings and recreate architectural details. I also used ‘Old Terracotta’ to highlight the rich earthly tones featured in Burtynky’s work, with a stone grain to add texture.

"By enhancing the blue rhodium plating on the vertical curve, a high polish finish brings out the deep uneven petrol colour, reminiscent of some of his works with oil spills. A deconstruction of the Photo London logo is based on the top of the award, as if inlaid into the Jesmonite, encouraging the viewer to look at the award from above, much like in the artist’s work."

"It is a continued honour to work with Photo London and create tactile, expressive pieces of work that recognise some of the world’s best photographers."

Straussberg is gaining a worldwide reputation for her superb Photo London trophies but her geometric jewellery designs, made from sterling silver and polished black resin have been in demand for years, stocked across the UK and internationally.

Her pieces are all handcrafted in her London Studio, many of them plated in 18 carat gold and finished with a brushed texture.

Her collections will be exhibited this year at NY NOW, Design Junction and Goldsmiths Fair.