Blog Post #12

Part 1:

Kim Garza – Graphic Design
Garza has spent 14 years as a designer, and 5 years as a faculty member here at St. Edward’s university. Kim Garza discussed the multiple titles she has worked as, as well as what graphic design means to her personally as an art. Kim said that she believes in Graphic design as “liberal arts for life”. As a designed, Garza said that she is constantly learning and growing as an artist within her field. Kim discussed both her for-hire work, on a travel app called Eventurist (which I’m definitely going to download). Garza also showed us clips of her personal collaboration with her husband, which is a combination of video editing and original music. I thought that it was wonderful to see the range of work that Garza has done in both her career and in her personal work.

Tammie Rubin – Fine Arts/Ceramics
Rubin discussed her love of the word “chimera” as an object or thing that is hoped for, but is ultimately an illusion. As a ceramic sculptor, Rubin discussed her art as a combination between manufactured and natural beauty, and the use of plastic forms in her artwork. I liked that Rubin discussed that her work as fragile, but durable and practical after firing. She discussed the idea of ascribing power to objects, and the personal connections to the material that she likes to comment on during her work. I enjoyed Tammie’s work because of the way that she played with whimsical imagery as well as manufactured forms.

James Scheuren – Photocommunications
Scheuren discussed the “human aesthetic” to his photography, the fact that he does not take photographs for their aesthetic value, but more for their human qualities. James talked about looking for the beauty within the mundane, and finding the accidentally  human art in the world. James discussed his photography as borderline surrealism, acknowledging that he works sometimes to channel the unconscious in his photographs in order to provoke a response. Schooner discussed that he looks for beauty within the failures of everyday life, and is trying to to create both a personal and world connection to his photographs. Recently, Scheuren has been looking into Astral imagery in his photography, which intrigues me. He looks for the constellations and galaxies in the things that we see everyday, and has gotten really good at spotting the unexpected art in everything.

Part 2:

This semester, and particularly this course has been great. The class is relaxed enough to be enjoyable, but structured enough to know what to expect and what is expected from us as students. I have really enjoyed the Visual Seminar class as a way to get to know the field that I am going into , as well as the people that make up that field – both professional, students, and faculty. This seminar has been a good experience for me, because it has allowed me to look into my discipline through other disciplines within the fine arts major.

Blog Post #11

Part 1

Tuan Pham
Tuan separated his presentation into three sections: work for friends, work for his family, and work for us (St. Ed’s classes/events). I thought that it was wonderful that Tuan combines his practice with his life so seamlessly. I think that true success as a creative (to me) would be when my entire life is somehow involved with my creative endeavors. I like the idea of making gifts for friends, but also working with family creatively. My favorite thing about tuan’s work is that it is all situational. I like that his work outside of St. Ed’s revolves around what he has at his disposal – like with the moving boxes he screen printed. I also like that Tuan does so many collaborations with his friends. I think that Tuan kind of lives my dream life.

Hollis Hammonds
Hollis showed us the work she does both for herself, as well as for exhibitions. I did not realize how varied her body of work is! I think that when I look at art, I focus on specific parts of art, however Hollis is able to combine all of the disciplines that she’s interested in in a seamless and creative way. I liked that Hollis addressed the way that her work has changed, but the most intriguing part of her presentation was her discussion of shared and manufactured memories. Love the idea that our memories can change, but also the idea that we all can share memories with one another, but that they aren’t necessarily identical memories. I also liked to be able to track the changes in Hollis’ work, both through medium as well as content. Hollis’ work is very linear, and you can track the connections between her artworks and her opinions and interests.

Bill Kennedy
Bill has done so many things! This class was exciting because I don’t really know anything about my professors, so it was nice to be able to hear about their careers and their lives. I especially took attention when Kennedy said “Whatever you do, you must find a way to love what you do”. This is especially important to me now because I’m at the stage in my life where I’m supposed to be figuring out what to do. I also found it interesting that Bill has done so much within his career. I like that he addressed the topic of paid work vs the necessity of personal work, as a way to unwind. I think Bill’s presentation was also fairly affirming or my mother, who saw the range of possible careers and disciplines that come along with photography.

Part 2: Create a 5-year plan. What are your long term goals beyond college? What do you need to do to accomplish those goals?

My ideal college plan is to graduate with a major in Photocommunications, a minor in global studies, and multiple journalism classes under my belt. I know that after college I will be mostly focused on growth in the world of professional documentary photography, which is definitely I know nothing about at his point. Ideally, I would be able to get an internship in college to give me professional experience, and then move into some type of editorial magazine or newspaper or. My ultimate dream is to travel internationally, or be stationed internationally as a documentary photographer. I also plan to join the Peace Corp in the years after college, and I hope that my experience internationally can provide me with experience about working in different cultures.

Blog Post #10

The following 35mm film photographs are portraits of my family back in New Mexico for an assignment in Photography 1. The assignment was in response to Robert Frank. While these photographs are not the ones in my series that directly respond to the work of Robert Frank, they are my favorite because they are of some of the people that I love. I chose to respond by photographing my family because I wanted to view my surroundings as objectively as Robert Frank was able to do with his audience in his series The Americans while working more as Frank did in his later work, by photographing my family.

 

Oct. 2015, 35 mm film.

Portrait of Aaron (boyfriend); October 2015, 35mm film.

 

Oct. 2015, 35 mm film.
Portrait of Stasia (mother); October 2015, 35mm film.

 

Oct. 2015, 35 mm film
Portrait of Ashton (nephew); October 2015, 35mm film.

 

Portrait of Marcel & Paxton (father & nephew); October 2015, 35mm film.
Portrait of Marcel & Paxton (father & nephew); October 2015, 35mm film.

 

Blog Post #9

Part 1:

Lynne Bowman Cravens:
Lynne discussed more her artistic experience, considering the differences between her times during her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Lynne also discussed her time abroad, and that it was a vital experience that shaped her work. Lynne mostly focused on showing us the evolution of her work, which was a fascinating timeline to view as a photo student myself. Lynne discussed the maintenance of motivation within your artistic career, and that you have to take time for yourself to truly figure out what you are interested in, or what your style is. Lynne discussed that as artists we all have a sense of necessity within ourselves to create and continuously evolve within our work. This is good to hear as a student because creativity is organic, there are times when you know exactly what you want and times where you feel like you don’t have any idea what to do. Creativity and motivation is cyclical like this, and that is completely okay.

Miranda Petrosky:
Miranda discussed the necessity to have both a creative career, but to also maintain and explore your own passions and passion projects. Miranda got into the nitty gritty of working for a design or advertising firm, laying it out for us by skills and careers. Miranda also discussed the importance of internships, like so many of our alumni and senior speakers have. The most important point that Miranda made, to me, was that you don’t have to box yourself in within your field. She works under a certain title, but is able and willing to perform tasks and create things that transcend that title as well. Although you may go into a specific career, you must be constantly learning and evolving along with your work, in order to remain motivated and educated within your field. This is a fairly daunting statement considering that most of us just really want to get college over with, but i think that it is an important reality. Along with every passion comes the reality of it all, and you’re going to have to work for what you want.

Dustin Meyer:
Dustin’s advice was helpful because he addressed all avenues and conditions of pursuing a creative degree. Dustin talked about his path to find what he wanted to do with his life, and how he grew to love photography. he also discussed after college, and his struggle to find exactly what he was meant to do. Dustin discussed the ever-encompassing concern for people in the creative field, which is often, “how will I make a living pursuing my passions?”. After finding exactly what he wanted to do, Dustin discussed the intricacies of running your own business, addressing advertising, funding, and the actual techniques and methods that go into such an “emotionally driven” career, like wedding photography. Dustin’s advice and guidance was important because he addressed the direct action that will be necessary in order to obtain success within a creative field. Granted, everyone’s definition of success varies, but in this instance, Dustin was able to lay it all out in a straightforward and effective way. Disunite also discussed the necessity in professionalism in all that you do, you are your art, you are what you create, so take pride in those creations.

Part 2:  Potential internships in the Austin Area

The Gems, Austin – Media Intern
http://www.thegems.org

KSSO, LLC – Media Intern (Film/Video/Photo)
KSSO, Lifestyle brand

Teeth Magazine – Editorial Assistant Internship
http://www.teethmag.net

X-tra Blog Post: Keith Haring video

Keith Haring was a pioneer of public and activism artwork, who emphasized the importance of exposure to public art and art with a message. Haring began as a graffiti artist, using chalk to fill in empty ad spaces in the New York Subway. During the early and mid- 1980’s, art was seen as exclusive, art galleries in New York catered to the elite and the affluent, which didn’t allow for any art exposure to those who couldn’t pay to be exposed. Haring’s chalk drawings became a type of art that was publicly accessible, and he used this work to shape society.

When Haring, an art school drop-out, began his drawings, he was sketching for himself, to fill the blank space he was given. Through his continuous street art, he began to gain attention, his images becoming recognizable and well-known symbols throughout New York. Haring’s works represented the very basic mechanics of life – birth, love, death, war. Haring was fascinated with the idea of semiotics, of using symbols to communicate verbally. Because of this, Haring’s work was very recognizable and repetitive. This simplistic and persistent approach to art made Haring’s drawings accessible, and ever-present in the minds of New Yorkers, and in turn, the minds of those around the world.

Media played a large role in Haring’s catapult to public fame. Haring became a notable artist in both the New York art scene, and those internationally. Regardless of his fame, however, Haring remained a common member of society, striving to remain present to the people who admired his work. Because of this, Haring was never really accepted into the “art world”, but to be fair, he never really wanted to be there in the first place. Haring is perhaps most known for his commercial artwork, working with both activism programs, as well as commonplace companies. Although critics have been quick to say that Haring’s commercial work was a sell-out, Haring has defended his work, stipulating that the more attention, the wider the audience to his artwork, the more attention for his message.

Throughout his years of fame, Haring explored many different types of art, from street-art, to paintings, to sculptural installations. Throughout this time, however, Haring remained true to the necessity of a message within his work, to the idea of “socially conscious” art. Haring’s advocate art surrounding both the LGBQ+ movement, as well as drug awareness programs acted as a bridge of  conversation between the public and the movements he worked to publicize. Haring travelled the world, spreading his message of conscious action and advocacy. Keith Haring’s work broke the barriers between high and low end art during the 1980’s, and as an artist, he was constantly dedicated to the humanity in us all.

Haring viewed art as “for the people”, and as a return to our roots as a race. Haring worked to promote powerful but recognizable symbolism and artistry, as a way to expose the public to art in a way they were never given the opportunity to be before. Haring was said to be a “stubborn optimist” and constantly working towards the positive. Haring worked with high-end artists, as well as with children, proving that art is not an exclusive entity, and that we are all somehow gifted.

Blog Post #7

PART 1

  1. Who did you most relate to? and why?
    I connected with and was most inspired by Alex Rocka because of his design style, his business sense, and his lettering. Rock is basically doing what I dream of doing, but don’t feel like I’m qualified for. Going into these alumni presentations I was hoping that I would be inspired in some way, and I definitely was. Rock’s talk and his career is really pushing me to think about my own career, and the things that I want to do. I’m very sure that I want to incorporate graphic design into my degree, either as a minor, or as a major, but I am so unsure on what I want to do. I also enjoyed hearing Nick Swift talk because I’ve always being interested in package design, but I’ve never really thought about the idea of branding, which is something I’ve always been incredibly drawn to. Both Rocka and Swift really sparked my thoughts on branding and imaging as a career choice and I really have some thinking to do.
  2. Who surprised you? and why?
    I loved hearing from Rebecca Marino because she discussed the versatility of  any given creative field. This was surprising because she does so much. I liked that she discussed the importance of internships, the necessity to be versatile, the openness of being a creative, and the need to know what you want. I liked that Rebecca discussed the necessity to put yourself out there, which I think is absolutely my biggest flaw. I hope that this is something I will grow into.
  3. What was the most valuable piece of advice you heard today?
    Nick Swift pointed out that without the creative side of his business, the business would not be successful. As a creative you have influence over the very image of a company, which is something that I’ve always been more or less aware of, but have never given much thought. I think that as a creative, we often do not realize the depth of our influence.

PART 2

Nick Swift – Swift Distillery:
I enjoyed listening to Nick talk because he discussed the culminate efforts of a creative team. Nick did not only address the creative side of his project but also the ways in which the creativity and business side of a company come together, which I think is something that often gets overlooked amongst my peers.
Nick also talked about package design, and it was incredibly fascinating to hear him talk about the lengths he and hi wife went to in order to ensure that they were not only aesthetically appealing as a company, but also practical for use. Nick really helped me conceptualize the range of different professions that are possible within creative fields.

Rebecca Marino – Pump Project:
Rebecca talked a lot about versatility and the many jobs that she has. I liked her talk because she discussed the business side of art, as well as all of the hard work that really has to go into her career. It was also interesting to hear about internships because although that’s something that you hear a lot, she is a great example of how it can all fall into place correctly.
I also really related to the war Rebecca talked about her own art, the way that she likes to draw connection between the mundane and the larger ideas in life. This is totally something that I love to do in both writing, and in my art! Hearing Marino discuss her conceptual art really made me feel inspired.

Alex Rocka – Preacher:
Everything that Rocka talked about inspired me. Rock has the career that I have always viewed as unreachable, and regarded as a dream. To be able to see him as a success has prompted me to rethink a lot of things in my own life and to take a harder look at my goals.
I loved to hear about Rocka’s move from corporate advertising work into his work with a more boutique niche of branding, with Preacher (which is a super cool company, I looked through their site for hours). I liked that he discussed the individuality of his work but also the fact that one must work at times with a team.

Taylor Browning – Artpace San Antonio:
Browning’s list of the jobs of an artist was very useful. i liked that she talked about being a media representative, being a writer, being a speaker, and being an educator, as well as continuing her personal paintings as ant artist. Browning seems to do some much, not only to fulfill herself, but through education for Artpace as well. It is important as artists that we don’t put ourselves into boxes that make us think that we are unable to have a business mind as well as a creative career. It is important that we all realize our potential and utilize all of our skills.

Blog Post #6

PART 1

My greatest strengths in Rhetoric & Composition include:
– I am a good analytical writer
– I have good critical thinking and reading skills
– I have a good range of both academic and peer-oriented language
For greater success in my Rhetoric & Composition course, I need to:
– Be more open to constructive criticism about my work
– Put more effort into revision and thinking about my own style of writing

My greatest strengths in Photography 1 include:
– I am good at remembering and practicing processes
– I am very detail oriented, without being closed off to creativity
– I fully enjoy the process of working so closely with my medium
For greater success in my Photography 1 course, I need to:
– Be open to making mistakes and understanding that those mistakes are completely part of the process.

My greatest strengths in Spanish 2 include:
– I am a quick learner, with cultural understanding that i believe helps me with my understanding of Spanish.
– Growing up in New Mexico, I’ve been exposed to Spanish for most of my life. I have also traveled to Mexico a number of times to learn the language.
– I know what my weakest spots are, and where I am not proficient.
For greater success in my Spanish 2 course, I need to:
– Take more time to focus on the small parts of grammar.
– Speak more Spanish outside of class.

My greatest strengths in Asian Traditions include:
– I enjoy the topic, and I enjoy the readings, so I am able to stay engaged.
– The course is a great opportunity to also experiment with my writing.
For greater success in my Asian Traditions course, I need to:
– Be more studious in general. The course covers a lot of information.

My greatest strengths in my Freshman Studies course include:
– I am fascinated with the growth of Latin America, so the course is engaging.
– I have a good attention to detail, so my retention is working out well.
For greater success in my Freshman Studies course, I need to:
– I need to review the content more frequently.
– I need to improve my study skills over-all.
– Be more specific!

 

Computer skills
My computer skills include:
– Very basic website design
– Basic Microsoft program experience
– (Basically nothing)
I still need to learn:
– Adobe Suite programs in general
– I’d like to learn some more web design.

Research & writing skills

  1. My greatest strengths as a researcher/writer include:
    – I am a good analytical writer.
    – I have good critical thinking and reading skills.
    – I have a good range of both academic and peer-oriented language.
    – I have a good understanding of effective and worthwhile information.
    – I have a tight process for conducting research.
  2. I need to work on these aspects of research and writing:
    – I need to be more open-minded to different kinds of writing.
    – I need to be more critical of myself as a writer.
    – I need to push myself out of my dang comfort zone!
  3. I learn best & accomplish most when:
    – When I’m motivated and interested.
    – When I have a clear idea of what I’m doing and what I want/need to do.

PART 2 – ACTION PLAN

I am having the most difficulty not in a particular class, but with the over-all idea of change and critique in my classes. I know this is a learned skill that I will have to give and take throughout my time at St. Ed’s and that it is definitely something I need to focus on. I can improve myself and my relationship to change by:
1. Remembering that criticism is supposed to be contrastive.
2. Knowing that criticism is not a personal attack on you and your work!
3. Acknowledging that criticism is necessary for growth.
4. Being more open to the thoughts and opinions of others. Objectivity is helpful.
5. Not just nod your head and ignore the critique, but by thinking about it and acting on it!
6. Not putting so much pressure on myself to be perfect.
7. Looking critically at my own work, not just relying on others to do it for me.
8. Making the shifts necessary.
9. Realizing that just because it’s said, doesn’t mean it’s true. I need to also stay true to myself and my work.
10. Acknowledging that accepting and acting on critique is also a learning process and that I will grow into it if I work for it.

Blog Post #5

PART 1

The two photographs are iPhone photos taken fro my Photography 1 class. The goal of the assignment was to use only our phones to take a series of self-portraits that had interesting vantage points. We were told to focus on vantage points that were unexpected, while also trying to take a photograph that encompassed our personality.

 

 

Self Portrait 1

 

These two photographs are particularly successful in my mind because they follow the natural progression of my artwork outside of class, while also being interesting to look at. I think that the first photograph definitely makes use of an interesting vantage point, and I took particular precautions surrounding the focus and depth-of field. I wanted the photograph to be interesting but also not overwhelmingly conceptual. The second photograph builds off of the first, which I consider absolutely necessary to a successful series or assignment. Both photographs are of my process during one evening of water color painting, but they are very different. I believe that both are accurate representations of me as an artist and as a person doing what I love to do, but also are interesting in a technical way.

 

Self Portrait 2

 

 

PART 2

Currently, in Photography 1 (my only creative studio class), we are learning how to process film and make contact sheets. Right now, we are focused almost purely on the technical process of film processing, and the rolls we’re shooting are not supposed to be meaningful in any way.

 

What is the strongest aspect of this work?
The strongest aspect of my work with film developing, in my opinion, has been my ability to remain relaxed and to work through problems as they arise calmly.

What is the weakest aspect?
The weakest aspect, and one I am not proud of, is what I’m shooting. While we were told to make our first rolls “trash” rolls, I feel like because my processing has been successful, I’m disrespecting the process. I feel that because I am developing my rolls successfully, I should be taking the time to shoot real photographs.

How can the composition or form be improved?
As of now, I’m mostly experimenting with depth of field and aperture within my photographs. They are mundane photographs, but I change the aperture between each in order to look back and analyze. I feel like while I’m learning how to process film, I might as well be learning more about taking photographs in general.

How can the project be strengthened conceptually?
I feel lost when I’m taking my photographs. I feel like I should be focused more on my photographs, but also do not want to be disappointed with myself if I destroy my film somehow. I’m still learning, so I need to remind myself of that. I need to make my photos mean something to me while also respecting the assignments.

How can the project be strengthened technically?
Technically, so far, I need to focus on my exposures. Although my processing has gone well, I can tell by looking at my negatives that the exposures are unreliable. I need to learn more about how to use a grey card so that when I do start shooting meaningful photographs, they are done well.

Additional notes.
Processing film has been an absolutely wonderful experience for me! After processing my first roll of film, I felt very sure of my choice to pursue and learn more about photography.

Blog Post #4

PART 1

Having the upperclassmen St. Ed’s Visu majors visit class was very clarifying and impactful. Not only was each student’s work absolutely incredible and inspiring, but the visits helped me to better understand each major within the Visu department.
Each of the upperclassmen gave us pieces of advice, as well as the things that they have learned while studying at St. Ed’s. Each presenter was able to build off the others, so I compiled a master list of advice that I resonate with.

Advice for VISU majors:
1. Go see art! If you want to be a good artist, you need exposure. More art equals better art and understanding of your place within the spectrum of art.
2. Take advantage of your studio space. This is your face to grow and it will become your second home. Treat it like a haven.
3. Be aware that art is time consuming. You have to put effort into your work in order to get what you want from your art. Be patient.
4. Explore your motivations. Concept is a big piece of being an artist, start exploring and thinking about your concept now.
5. Make a ‘List of 10’. List out your 10 areas of expertise and the 10 most influential forces in your life. This will not only help to find your concept, but also yourself as an artist.
6. Make work outside of class. This is your passion, take time to grow outside of the classroom. Personal work is always welcome in a portfolio.
7. Take advantage of the classes here. Explore as many disciplines as you want. This not only builds your portfolio and experience, but makes your experience more fulfilling.
8. Intern with an artist or creative organization. As much as you;ll learn inside of class, nothing beats real-life experience, be it on a resume or for learning.
9. Ask a lot of questions. Of your peers, of your teachers, of your discipline, of yourself.
10. Open your own doors. If you want to do it, make it happen. Be confident in yourself and your abilities. It is important to know your worth as a creative.
11. Work your muscle memory. Practice makes perfect, and repetition makes things second-nature.
12. Join a professional association. establish your presence as an artist, getting involved as a student will set you apart from others within the creative community.
13. Growth is inevitable and something to look forward to, regardless of how scary it may seem. We grow as artists constantly, embrace that change.

Individual Comments


Rachel Broussard: I really liked Rachel’s idea of the ‘List of 10’. She definitely stressed the idea of getting to know yourself as an artist, which is something I struggle with fairly constantly. I liked that Rachel was able to draw in the influences from her life (history) and apply them to her work. This makes her work extremely personal, while also beautiful.

Caelan Navarette: Caelan talked extensively about the need for experience outside of the classroom, and the need to explore as an artist. Being an artist isn’t an impersonal title, it is who you are. I like that self-awareness is something that has pushed artistic exploration for Caelan.

Shelby Savage: I loved that Shelby talked about being able to bring what you enjoy into the classroom. Shelby seems to have a style that is authentically hers, and she is not afraid to constantly explore within her artwork. I really loved the creative concepts Shelby has come up with, and the fact that she acknowledges her own weaknesses within her discipline.

Paul Young: Pauls was the epitome of dedication. Paul talked about having to be invested in your artwork, which I feel is often something that is overlooked. Paul makes amazing work, and seems to have completely found his passion, this was very inspiring and motivating for me.

Christin Smith: As a photocell major, I’ve been struggling with my talent as a photographer, wondering if I am good enough to make a career out of it all. Christian talked about the need to explore what makes you uncomfortable in life in order to make yourself passionate. She stressed the necessity of working through your problems, which is something I shy away from. Since the talk, I’ve told most of my family and friends to check out Christin’s portrait photography, it is amazing!

Julianna Ramirez: I really enjoyed the fact that Julianna stressed that no matter how intimidating things can be, to take comfort in the inevitable. Change is inevitable. Being burnt out is inevitable. We should not be scared of these things, but acknowledge that they happen and enjoy that we get to experience them. I like that Julianna fully acknowledges and relishes in her evolution as an artist.

 

PART 2

A compelling website to me is something that jumpstarts my creative flow. I use these websites for inspiration outside of my normal influences. When i feel burnt out, it is nice to have a place to go where there are no obligations, and relax. Relaxation opens me up to new sources of inspiration.

Street art with Google: https://streetart.withgoogle.com/en/audio-tours
I enjoy visiting this site, because not only have I always been fascinated with street art, but I’m also very into travel and international art. Google Street Art provides a collection of artwork that is not only beautiful, but very culturally significant. I like that the site offers audio tours, as I am definitely a podcast nerd.

Illusion Magazine
http://illusion.scene360.com
I love Illusion Magazine because it keeps me updated on current artists and their stories. Illusion provides inspiration but not in an overwhelming way. I love the artists that are covered, and the constant stream of new ideas that I get from looking around.

TED
http://www.ted.com
In my mind, no list of compelling websites is complete without TED. While it may seem like an obvious choice, I have loved TED for years. TED Talks are an amazing way to learn about new things in creative ways. I can watch a TED Talk about anything, even something I’m not necessarily interested in, and leave feeling hopeful and inspired.

99% Invisible
http://99percentinvisible.org
99% Invisible is one of my favorite podcasts. I’m constantly listening to NPR podcasts and I love the idea that they use the obscure to shed light on a bigger picture. 99% Invisible is a design podcast, that takes obscure stories about creative things and turns them into compelling stories.

Blog Post #3

Over the summer, while on a roadtrip to LA, I was fortunate enough to explore the Getty Center Museum and their extensive collection. Out of the amazing collection and many different exhibits, one of the exhibits that really spoke to me was “Light, Paper, Process: Reinventing Photography”. This exhibit explored the use of photographic medium being used in unexpected and inventive ways. The most impactful artist in this exhibit, to me, was Chris McCaw, whose work left me in absolute awe.

Chris McCaw is self-described as a photographer who enjoys exploring the realm of photographic possibility. In this way, after shooting film throughout high school, McCaw became interested in the simplicity of the large format camera and is continuously pushing the boundaries of photography as a medium.

SUNBURN is a project by McCaw that explores the physical effect that sun exposure has on photo paper. In this project, McCaw exposes his paper to direct sunlight over multiple hours of exposure, allowing the light to burn its path directly into the paper. This process creates breathtaking images that catalogue the movement of the sun in a way that is more direct than ever before. As McCaw states, “the sun has transcended the idea that a photograph is simple a representation of reality,  and has physically come through the lens and put it’s hand onto the final piece”.

This project is not only focused on the destruction of the medium in a beautiful way, but is highly technical. In order to achieve the images and patterns that McCaw does, he is required to calibrate and trace the movement of the sun itself, allowing a seamless connection between the physical sun and the artwork itself.

Sunburned GSP#166(Mojave/Winter Solstice full day),2007. 4- 11”x14” unique gelatin silver paper negatives Collection of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

McCaw’s work had a lasting impact on me, and not only fueled my passion for photography, but reminded me that photography is a type of art that can be manipulated just as similarly as painting and drawing can be. I am often so focused on photography as a process of documentary, it is difficult for me to remember that photography is an art form in itself. McCaw’s work is so striking and unpredictable, the fact that he isn’t focused on the chemistry of photography to get his results, but rather the physical impact of light itself. McCaw’s work appreciates the power of the sun in a way that I have never even thought of before, literally allowing for the light to destroy the medium. McCaw’s work combines such a profound idea with beautiful simplicity, and really pushes photographers to explore their creativity in a new way.

Sunburned GSP#202(SF Bay/expanding), 2008. 16″x20″ unique gelatin silver paper negative Collection of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art