Constance Saddlemire
Constance Saddlemire is a studio artist based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, whose work is grounded in contemporary printmaking with a strong foundation in lithography and experimental image-making. She holds a Master of Arts in Lithography from the University at Albany, SUNY, and has developed a distinctive artistic voice shaped by decades of exploration in both traditional and innovative print practices. Her creative perspective is informed by a wide range of lived experiences across the United States and abroad, including time spent in Taiwan, Albuquerque, and the Washington, D.C. suburbs, all of which contribute to the depth and cultural awareness present in her work.
Her artistic practice specializes in printmaking, with a particular focus on lithography and innovative photosensitive plate processes. She is known for a unique technique that combines altered photography with traditional printmaking methods. Her process begins with square close-up photographs of corrugated Corten steel, which she then digitally alters five to six times before exposing the images onto specially coated photosensitive solar plates. Using water-based processing, the plates are lightly etched, after which she inks and prints them on an etching press. Through layered applications of color and texture, she builds richly complex final images that reflect both industrial abstraction and organic transformation. This approach evolved after participating in workshops in altered photography and working alongside Sue Omi.
In addition to her studio practice, Constance is an active participant in the broader arts community and has long been a collector of artwork, including pieces by artists such as Tony Greco of Atlanta. Her engagement with the arts extends beyond creation into appreciation and preservation, reinforcing her commitment to artistic dialogue and exchange. Her work can be viewed through the Omi Graphics website, where her evolving body of prints reflects both technical mastery and a deeply personal visual language rooted in experimentation, process, and material discovery.
• University at Albany - MA, Lithography
• St. Lawrence University - BA
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to love what I do. That simple principle has guided my professional path and creative practice, reminding me to stay aligned with work that feels meaningful and fulfilling rather than simply practical. It has encouraged me to pursue projects and opportunities that resonate with my interests, values, and long-term goals, and to approach my work with genuine curiosity and commitment. Loving what I do has helped me maintain resilience through challenges and remain motivated to continue growing, learning, and contributing in a way that feels authentic and purposeful.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the art world is to stay committed to your vision, even when formal guidance feels limited or unclear. During my own graduate studies, I found that there was often less structured direction than I expected, which ultimately pushed me to develop my own voice, trust my instincts, and seek out learning opportunities beyond the classroom. I would encourage emerging artists to be proactive in building their skills, connecting with other creatives, and exploring different techniques and perspectives. Most importantly, remain confident in your work and your point of view there is real strength in learning to navigate your own path and allowing your individuality to shape your artistic practice.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the highly competitive nature of major exhibition opportunities, particularly in cities like New York, where art showcases are widely regarded as some of the most prestigious but can be extremely difficult to access. For many artists, gaining entry into these spaces often requires strong networks, representation, or sustained visibility, which can feel limiting for those working independently or outside major gallery systems. At the same time, this challenge reflects a broader opportunity within the art world: the growing expansion of alternative platforms, regional exhibitions, and digital spaces that allow artists to share their work with wider and more diverse audiences. While traditional venues remain influential, the evolving landscape is creating new pathways for recognition, connection, and artistic growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is one of the most important values in both my personal and professional life. We have made intentional choices over the years to stay closely connected to our son and his family, including establishing a second home in Maine so we can be near them as they built their life there. We originally purchased a condo in Portland in 2016 and later moved to Brunswick, all with the goal of being present in our grandson’s life and watching him grow up. My connection to Maine began when our son started college at Bates College in Lewiston, and over the past decade it has become an important part of our family’s life. Being able to maintain that closeness, spend meaningful time together, and actively participate in our grandson’s upbringing has been deeply grounding and continues to guide my priorities and decisions.
Locations
Private Company
Steamboat Springs, CO 80477