Questionare

1. What’s your major? What year will you graduate?

     I am a first year student, majoring in English and minoring in Art. I'm seriously considering double majoring in both English and Art though. If I do not double major I will probably graduate early, 2016, instead of 2017. If I o double major I would probably need all 4 years to complete my required hours.

2. Why did you choose a photography class (or photography as a major), and what do you hope to learn from school in general and this class specifically?
     I chose to take this photography class because I love art in all its forms. Drawing is probably my favorite method, however I'm also really big on photography. I'm really hoping to learn how to improve my photography skills in this class so I can be better than I currently am. In general that same answer applies. I love learning new things and gaining more knowledge. Ultimately, I'm going to college to gain more knowledge rather than just for a degree. If money was no option, I could literally happily be a student forever.

3. What are your goals after graduation? Please list your goals in reverse order, starting five years out, then three, two, one, and six months.

5 years: I am really undecided this far out. No matter if I double major or not, I will definitely be done with my undergrad studies at this point. I don't know if I want to go to grad school yet or jump immediately into the workforce.

4 years: At this point I definitely hope to have decided about grad school or not. I'll be just getting out of college and taking the next step to living in the real world.

3 years: I hope to be finishing my undergrad work, hopefully with a 4.0. That is my biggest educational goal for my college career.

2 years: I hope to still be going strong in my classes, whatever my major is at that point. I also hope I can get more scholarships from now 'til then so college won't be such a burden on my already empty wallet.
1 year: I hope to be starting my sophomore year after completing a VERY successful freshman year. I DEFINITELY want to be decided on my major by this point.

6 months: Job, job, job, job. I really need a job. My parents really need me to have a job. Get a job. For sure.

4. What artists, musicians, photographers, writers, movies, books have influenced you/your work?
     I'm big on reading philosophy- Ayn Rand, Friedrich Nietzsche, Thomas Hobbes, etc- and for this reason I'm very objective about everything in life. I'm good at putting aside my own feelings and thinking differently than I normally would. This personality trait carries over into my art and photography. I like taking pictures from different perspectives to try and capture an image you wouldn't think possible or normal. It remain very open minded about everything and it shows.

5. Are there any important websites that you are referencing for art/photo competitions and/or information?

     I don't know of any specific websites to keep an eye out for for contests, but occasionally I look through Juxtaposed and other art magazines to see what they have published inside.

6. What museums and/or galleries have you been to in the past year?

     In February I took a school trip to DC. While I was there I got to go to the Holocaust Museum, International Spy Museum, and my FAVORITE The National Gallery of Art.

7. Have you had any photo projects and/ or training in the past?

     I've had high school photo projects, but never anything extremely serious or educational. I've studied other people's styles and works and read a few educational books on photography but never had any TRUE photography lessons.

8. What is the value of art for the artist?

     The value of the art for the artist depends on the artist themselves. For someone like Warhol or Van Gogh or Picasso art was probably their entire life. For an art student the same may be true. But for a student who just needs an elective it probably doesn't matter as much. Personally art is a major part of my life. I originally wanted to be an art major but changed my mind. Being in this class is what is making me consider double majoring. 

9. What is the value of art for the audience?

     For an audience member who can appreciate the piece, art is more than a picture. It is a story, a piece of history, an emotion. Art transcends the frame it is in.

10. Is photography a vocation or an avocation?

      Photography is probably more of an avocation at this point in my life, however I would be happy if it was my vocation.

11. What is your passion?

     I'm really passionate about being creative, both with writing and drawing/painting/photographing. Hence my wish to double major in English and Art.

12.What are you afraid of? What makes you uncomfortable?

     I'm afraid of insecurity and chaos. I am a person of habit and cleanliness. Mess and clutter stress me out to the point of giving me panic/anxiety attacks.

13. Do you have a passport? Are you a traveller?

     Yes and yes!!! A year and a half ago I went to China for a week. In 3 years I will be going to Europe for a month as part of the Regents Scholars Program. I LOVE traveling.

14. Who is your favorite artist? And why?

     http://agnes-cecile.deviantart.com/ She is easily my favorite artist. I love how soft, yet haunting her pieces are and her mastery of the skills of her trade.

15. Why did you sign up for this class? What do you hope to learn from it?

     I signed up for this class so that I can further improve my photography skills. I hope to be able learn useful abilities I can apply to my own work.