I usually pride myself on being an open book but some of you may not know the path that led me to being a portrait photographer. It goes all the way back to my childhood and is really long and winding road that took almost 40 years. I am so happy with where I have ended up but I can't help but look back at some of the things that molded me and knocked me down which led me to today. Here are 10 things about me and my adventure that you might not know:
1. My dad is a professional artist (painter) and for most of my childhood I had an inside look at his studios and work. I would sit for hours watching him study his subject and recreate it in a 2 dimensional medium. I would watch the lights and shadows from faces and objects recreated in only a way he could do. I still love to see his enthusiasm for paintings in his collections.
2. I was a dancer. From the time I was 5, I had multiple weekly lessons in ballet, tap and jazz dance. There is something about the routine yet free flowing body that really moved me. I gave up dancing after my freshman year of college and can hardly touch my toes today. But those years of hearing my various instructors describe the art and body moved something in me that I can now explore through a different medium.
3. I was an art major. OK, it only lasted 4 semesters and then I changed my major. The best class I ever took through the years was a life drawing class with only charcoal and paper for the entire semester. We had simple tools and a live model and could free flow with what we were given. I would go home after class and replay my work over and over in my head until the next session. My poor roommate endured that semester of breathing in charcoal dust!
4. I have two degrees. My bachelors degree is in Speech Communications, thus the reason I can debate anyone! I loved being able to express myself and learn about the interpersonal workings of someone. After that, I earned a masters degree in Elementary Instruction with an endorsement in art education. My goal was to be an elementary art teacher and bring some of my skills and background into a classroom. However, this degree came at a time when Illinois schools were cutting arts funding and I never got my own art classroom. But, I did teach for the next 10 years.
5. I have two teenagers who actually are very artistically talented but don't want anyone to know. We have piles and piles of hidden pieces they have created through the years. I think there is something wrong with an education model that doesn't promote the arts more and encourage and teach all kids to become a part of it and find their voice in it. It has been proven to be an integral part of a well rounded education. My boys think it isn't cool to be an artist. I still take them to art museums, have them attend cultural events in the community and encourage them by doing my own pieces in photography and other mediums at home. I hope that part of my journey is teaching them by example.
6. I love to travel. Although our family life schedule right now does not allow it often enough. I think experiencing other cultures and parts of the world broadens what I look for in art. Seeing ancient ruins or vast desserts opens new avenues to explore. There are museums and cities of fine works all over the world waiting for me!!
7. My favorite food is anything Mexican. This has nothing to do with my photography, but just thought you should know in case we ever meet up for a business or casual dinner. I suppose I could photograph a great burrito!
8. I am very unorganized and messy. I make notes for myself, keep a calendar, reorganize drawers and clean up but nothing ever seems to stick. So, if I happen to be late for something, lose something, forget your birthday or can't remember your name. It is because 10,000 other things are cluttering up my house and my mind. They say artistic people are messy! I'm going with that excuse anyway!
9. I am very clumsy. So, I have those 10,000 things going on in my head and then I just forget to pay attention. I have fallen down stairs, run off the road while driving, slipped down hills, run into doorways. In a weird way, I think that makes me a better artist. OK, I know it sounds odd but I think the unexpected is what makes something art. I can't predict what happens, I just let it happen. You never know when I am in the middle of a session when I might change the directions or fall upon something unusual. Expect the unexpected with me!
10. I am an open book. Ask me anything, I have no secrets and don't hold back! I will share 100% of my energy and enthusiasm with you when you are my friend or my client.
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