In this episode, photographer Maryam Eisler, joins Carrie Scott to discuss the profound connection between beauty, nature, and artistic expression. Maryam shares her philosophical approach to photography, revealing how she elevates both women and nature to pedestals of admiration, creating visual narratives that transcend mere aesthetics.
Throughout our conversation, Maryam discusses how specific locations become sacred spaces for creative expression, drawing parallels with artistic legends like Georgia O'Keeffe. She offers intimate insights into her process, describing photography as her form of meditation—her "Xanax"—and explains why beauty serves as both an anchor and inspiration in our rapidly changing world.
From her project "West-West" that bridges stunning visuals with explorations of societal division, to her deep connection with Magritte's "Empire of Light," this interview demonstrates why Maryam believes beauty isn't just decoration—it's a gateway to deeper understanding and spiritual connection in uncertain times.
Maryam Eisler is an internationally acclaimed photographer, art patron, and author whose work has been exhibited in major galleries and institutions worldwide. Known for her striking images that celebrate the feminine form in harmony with natural landscapes, Eisler's photographic vision blends fine art aesthetics with profound philosophical underpinnings.
A passionate advocate for the arts, Eisler has served on the boards of numerous cultural institutions including the Tate Modern and the Whitechapel Gallery. Her published works include books on contemporary art and photography, with collaborations featuring some of the world's most influential artists and creatives.
Eisler holds degrees from Wellesley College and Columbia University. Her distinctive artistic approach—photographing both women and nature "from below" with equal reverence—has established her as a unique voice in contemporary photography, one that celebrates beauty as essential rather than superficial in our modern world.
From Carrie: Maryam Eisler is a woman who I've known for for ten years and admired and enjoyed her patronage of the arts, her ability to create beautiful photographs, her generosity, everything, right? But I didn't know until this moment that what she's really seeking is to kind of help us all look at beauty and feel awe. And that's it, whether it's in her own work or through her own work, or through looking at and celebrating other artists. And this makes her extraordinary. This makes her just epic and awesome. And hopefully, you'll know exactly what I mean when you watch our conversation, but also when you look at her work.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (https://seen.art).
Join our free newsletter and become an art insider: https://mailchi.mp/seen/waitlist
If you want to connect with us between episodes, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchseenart).
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!