Statement
My college experience has been very unconventional. I thought I would follow the typical student-athlete path and all that goes with it. When that changed, I had to reorient my thinking. Forging a new path is not easy. My interest, outside of sports, was photography. There is no specific “Photography” major at my university. Fortunately, through an unlikely series of events, I was able to pursue my interest and education and, in the process, learn who I am and what I am most passionate about. I have learned a lot about “who I am” through travel, having had the opportunity to meet new people and explore different cultures. If you had asked me to write this statement four years ago, I guarantee you it would have been very different.
During my time at the University of Dubuque, I have been able to focus, with precision, on my passion – photography. I still love sports and other activities, but when it comes to photography, intuitively, I know I am supposed to explore, grow and learn. To me, that helps to define it as a passion. There is an old saying, which works well in Iowa, “Grow where you are planted.” My skills in photography and reflecting upon photography have certainly grown and changed over the past four years. I attribute this to the solid “planting” I’ve experienced during my unconventional college experience.
The difference between where I’ve been and where I’ve visited is vast. This show is about both. I have been fortunate to visit many of the capitals and cultural sites of Western Europe while studying at the University. Through cultural experiences, I have observed life and history in a way that books just can’t approach. That is where my photography comes in.
When I land in a new country, the first thing I do to get my bearings is look at a map. I’m sure that is a foreign concept to many in my generation. After all, who needs a map when you have a Maps App? I like to see the lay of the land, not one bit at a time. I know how to read maps and I enjoy watching them come to life as I walk the streets. After consulting with my academic advisor and professor, I decided to use vintage maps and, after removing some of their practical functions, make “art” in their place using color, line, composition and design with photographs of those cities. That is what this show is – less documentary and more creative imagery. If you know Florence or Paris, then these maps ring true. It is my hope, though, that they are interesting on a higher plane. That is my intent.
The funny thing is, as I mentioned earlier, the University of Dubuque does not have a photography major. And yet, because of their willingness to “think outside the box” my professors worked with me and helped me craft my program, so I have been able to “graft” the study of photography on to the study of Digital Art and Design. I’m sure this would not have been possible at a larger university. I have thought about the people I want to thank and why. Words seem so inadequate. To all my professors, you have instilled in me a love of learning. Specifically, to Professors Jim Cullen and Jean Holdener, thank you for demonstrating your passion for animation and art. Professor Sheila Sabers set deadlines and established deliverables for this Senior Thesis class and show. Without her sense of organization, the class would never be at this point in our academic careers. My mentor at UD has been Professor Alan Garfield since my first day in his Art History class. His knowledge of art, culture, languages and people has helped shape my work. He has treated me like a Renaissance apprentice, and I have learned so much about the world and myself through his eyes.
Finally, I cannot begin to express my respect and gratitude to my family. Dad, you have always wanted me to be myself, to be happy and find my own direction. I’ve listened to your counsel and, hopefully, gained your respect these last four years. Mom, thank you for believing in me even when I was trying to find my path. This support from both of you has been priceless.
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