Arild Slicing Meat, 2009 by Erika Larsen

The 2009 Women in Photography grants have been announced and we are ever so excited that Erika Larsen has been named the recipient for a $3000 WIP-Lightside Individual Project Grant for her series Sami, The People. In this series she will be exploring the hunter-gatherer culture in a small village of indigenous inhabitants located in Northern Scandinavia. In her own words she describes her intent with the work as, "I have come on a search to understand the primal drive of the modern hunter by taking an inclusive look at an original hunter-gatherer society. I have come to see if when the land speaks there are those that can interpret its language. I have come in search of silence so that I could begin to hear again."

This isn't the first time that Erika has created a body of work exploring hunting culture and modern society's connection to it. Head on over to her website to look at two of her previous series The Hunt and Young Blood -- work that has won her a 2008 World Press Award, a 2008 Jersey State Arts Council Grant, and an accolade from Review Santa Fe; In addition to being featured in American Photography, Communication Arts Photography Annual, and Photo District News.

Erika's solo show is launching on wipnyc.org today, though its only just the beginning; Make sure you follow Erika's progress on her website.

The grant was awarded by Women in Photography, an organization co-founded/curated by Amy Elkins and Cara Phillips (who you will recognize as a second edition 2008 Hot Shot!). The site features women from all experiences and ranks, so it is very exciting for Erika to be joining the club of very talented previous winners.The bimonthly shows on wipnyc.org are surely not to be missed and of course you can subscribe to their mailing list as well.

To be considered for a Women in Photography grant next year, you can submit up to five images and follow the guidelines detailed on the site.