Goodbye, AmeriCorps

My AmeriCorps term with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee is officially over (despite having a bunch of paperwork stuff to finish up). It was definitely a roller coaster ride, but I learned so much about Milwaukee that I never knew. I bonded with people I never thought I would and I hope I taught Milwaukee's youth a thing or two about photography!


I hope the next year tests my abilities and limits as much as this job has...

Feelin' a bit diptychy...

How-To Make Your Own Natural Dye

As I am getting prepared for my summer in Northern Wisconsin.. I have stumbled across some really great recycled and natural craft ideas. Below is a video tutorial on using red cabbage, turmeric, and onion skins as natural dyes. I am excited to explore these options.

Inspiration: Bill Jacobson

I cannot stop thinking about the way Bill Jacobson's work makes me feel. The mute fogginess, monochromatic tones and simple subject matter create a sense of helplessness. For as long as I stare at his images, I still feel concerned for the subjects.. as if they are displaced from their own emotions and surroundings.

Here are a couple of pinhole photographs that are my attempt to convey the same feeling:



I enjoy the dark quality of these. However, I would also like to try the white on white method.

Summer plans...

As I prepare myself for teaching art at a summer camp in Wisconsin's north woods, I have rediscovered my appreciations for our Native American ancestors. All materials used in their daily lives were used to their fullest and with the highest regard for mother nature.

Art was both beautiful and functionable, a concept I have been exploring in my own craft work lately. What makes each piece even more beautiful is the way Native American's were able to successfully manipulate natures resources to enhance their natural beauty.

On a recent trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum, I photographed some of the functionable art in the Native American exhibit, which I hope to reference this summer.


As a result of these rediscoveries, my main focuses for the summer are to facilitate the creation of work that is inspired by Native American lifestyle and to use recycled materials for at least one aspect of each project.

This last photographs is just a side note, but I had to include it for the awe factor...