Talking the Beauty in Imperfection with Shae Reynolds
- Imogen Leonard
- Oct 4
- 6 min read
Originally from Berlin and now based in Glasgow, twenty year-old Shae has called the UK home for the past 11 years but her story stretches much further than one city. Growing up between Germany, the U.S, Saudi Arabia, England, and now living in Scotland, Shae learned early on to see the world through an evolving lens. Experiencing shifts in culture didn’t just shape who she is, but how she creates. Shae often finds herself capturing the overlooked details, the beauty in the unusual, and stories hidden in plain sight.
Do you find your photography is influenced by travel, or does it serve as a consistent practice for you?
I do love taking photos when I’m travelling, as seeing a new country or city is really inspiring and different to my day-to-day surroundings; it almost feels like being a stranger in a place heightens your senses. But when I’m not travelling I try to be in the habit of taking my camera out everywhere I go, so that I can take photos of just about anything. I’m always on the look out for cool graffiti, fun reflections in the water, abandoned things and buildings. You never know when you will see something that inspires you.
Talking the Beauty in Imperfection with Shae Reynolds
You mentioned you’re drawn to finding the beauty in everything, even when it isn’t “perfect.” Can you share a moment when this perspective changed how you approached your work? Or maybe even how you view yourself?
I tend to always describe myself as a perfectionist, especially when it comes to my academic work. However, when I started getting into photography I quickly noticed that whilst I do love taking photos of anything and everything, I do specifically love things that may be deemed 'out of place'. Some of my favourite photos that I have taken are far from perfect - trash I found in the woods, a shopping cart left behind at the university, an abandoned chair in an alleyway or an overgrown, old greenhouse. In terms of art in general, I love art that is messy, abstract, disturbing and makes you question and feel different things. My own life experiences have also taught me that imperfections should be something to be celebrated, especially for yourself and others.
Your creativity spans mainly photography but you also love sketching and collage. What draws you to each medium, and how do they complement/influence one another?
I love black and white art, so when I sketch it tends to just be with black (and occasionally red) pens. I think having images in black and white helps the focus be specifically on the shapes, textures and small details - this also applies to a lot of my photography, which tends to be in monochrome. For mixed media art and collage, I think the fact that I can rip and cut up things like magazines and books is really freeing. I would love to start integrating these mediums more and even implementing other techniques such as printmaking.
In your opinion, what role does imperfection play in making art feel more human?
I think the fact that humans aren’t perfect is exactly why we need to make more art that seems imperfect. Everything we feel and experience isn’t stagnant; we are constantly changing and I think this is a good thing to inspire our art. I love any art that makes me question and reflect on what the artist might have been feeling or going through at the time. I think this is a highly important way to add character to artwork.
Tell us a little more about your photography process? Do you go out with the intent to photograph specific subjects or do you allow yourself to be inspired along the way?
Sometimes I go on walks with the hope of taking photos with my camera, but for the most part I do tend to take inspiration in anything, wherever it may come from. My photography doesn’t have any one main focus, I love to take photos of everything; nature, objects, architecture, reflections, general shapes and textures.
When you look through your camera lens, what makes you decide to capture a scene or subject even if others might overlook it?
There have been so many times when I pass something and I double back and say “oh that looks cool” and it’s just a pile of junk on the ground. I’ve even had people ask me why I’m taking a photo of something when “there’s nothing interesting” but to me anything can be worth taking an extra second to look and possibly capture it. Looking through my lens, it tends to be certain textures, shapes and lighting which captures my attention.
How do you think art can help shift people’s perspective from chasing perfection to noticing and appreciating authenticity?
There’s no perfect way to create any art. I’ve been challenging myself to do art just for the sake of making something, whether it’s amazing or not. Art can make you think, feel and question different things or it can just be a bit of fun. This has been incredibly helpful when I am lacking new creative ideas, I try to simply start and make something, anything.
Do you see finding beauty in imperfection as an act of compassion, both toward others and possibly yourself?
In terms of things that I am drawn to in art; abandoned objects, houses that are falling apart, random structures found in odd places, I simply appreciate things which seem out of place and often go unnoticed. Seeing the beauty in other people and yourself goes much deeper than surface level. It’s one of the most important things in the world, to be compassionate and accepting of what makes you and other people different, but it’s difficult when society is constantly teaching us we have to look and be a certain way.
You mentioned that music and fashion are also big aspects for your own self-expression. Do you find these intertwine with your creative style?
I always describe my style (in art, music, and fashion) as a bunch of opposites. I love seeing and creating bright, colourful art as well as dark, creepy art. This is sometimes influenced by my personal style which is majorly more alternative.
You said some of your favourite artists are those who channel their raw emotions into their art. Do you use your own emotional experiences as direct material for your work, or do you prefer to channel them more abstractly?
I use my own emotional experiences sometimes, especially if I have been struggling with something and need a different method of expressing it. I think it’s a good way to get emotions out, and it’s a bit like journalling, no one else needs to see it if you don’t want them to.
You’re about to enter your final year studying Psychology at the University of Glasgow. How has your understanding of the human mind influenced your creative process?
Throughout my course, I have learned about many different types of mental health disorders and conditions which have expanded my views on how different we all are, even when it’s something you can’t really see. Additionally, my own experiences of living with a visible difference have helped me to appreciate and advocate for the imperfections in everything and everyone.
If you could tell your past self one thing about the value of imperfection, what would it be?
I would like to tell myself that there is no such thing as being perfect in any aspect, and that it is okay to be different even if people try to make you feel otherwise.
Quick Fire round
You go to a lot of gigs, what is your favourite venue and why?
I prefer smaller venues such as SWG3 because it’s easier to get closer to the stage (and get your moneys worth). Despite mainly going to rock and metal gigs I actually hate the mosh pits so I try my best to avoid them by getting right at the front but at the side. Sadly, it’s harder to do when my favourite bands play at the Hydro.
What is a book you wish you could read again for the first time?
I’d have to say A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara; I love her writing style and how she brings her complex characters to life.
I feel like since you’ve experienced life in many places, you can give an unbiased opinion, what is your favourite thing about Glasgow?
I love how walkable the city is; it’s pretty easy to get around on foot and this also helps inspire my photography. Also, I love going to all the second-hand and vintage shops.
What’s your favourite to take a break and re-spark your creativity?
Often I like to take a walk in nature, to be surrounded by something new. I also like to go to events where other artists are sharing their work and be inspired by new mediums and styles.
Check out Shae's work
All photography included in this feature by Shae Reynolds.
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