About Me

There are many forms of visual art I haven't had the chance to explore. This piece shows multiple plastic bags, but they're made from silk and natural dyes rather than being made of plastic, positioned in the photograph above. I find the different techniques artists use to create a final product incredibly interesting, especially ones I'm previously unfamiliar with. Although I don't intend trying this process myself, the many materials artists work with the compose an object or image inspires me to try and think outside the box as well as I create.

I am drawn to this work not only because the waterfall itself is beautiful, but because it reminds me of an experience I don't get often—one surrounded completely by nature. That rather unfamiliar feeling of being away from human-made structures, for me, is preserved through images, when I don't have the opportunity to experience it in person. Capturing nature in a beautiful state can also help to inspire conservation, an important subject to me.

I've always appreciated photography related to dance and movement, partially influenced by my interest in classical ballet for most of my life. Dance is an inspiration to me because it can convey a lot of energy, beauty, and emotion, even if the dancer isn't speaking. The performing arts in general have always interested me, and are a huge part of where my interest in art (including photography) came from.

This photo holds multiple meanings for me—first, I like the composition. The angle which the photo was taken from is interesting; it shows the words of the page, but focuses mostly on the outline of the page itself, framed by a dark background, the other pages of the book, and the surface the open book is on. The contrast between the pages of the book and the dark background is nice. Second, the photo represents another one of my inspirations relating to art: writing and language. Writing and language are another way I'm used to conveying meaning, and literature often provides inspiration for me.

Until my first experience in Photography 2, I had never seen Shirin Neshat's work before—however, I find it very unique and beautiful. Calligraphy is often included in her work, and the layers of words over the images (such as the one above) not only adds to it visually, but helps convey a purpose, which I appreciate. How artists show meaning and portray a cause in their work has always been beautiful and interesting to me, because it can be done in such a variety of ways. I hope to try creating unique images with meaning as well.