Denver Art Museum: A Day of Adventure

Denver Art Museum: Freshman Seminar Fall 2010

            The first cultural event I experienced at the University of Denver was by far the best. My First Year Seminar Class, Personal Histories of Photography, took the Denver light rail downtown to the 16^th Street Mall, where we then walked to the Denver Art Museum. This was an amazing opportunity to begin my photography career at DU- Denver offers so many opportunities for fabulous photographs. The art museum itself is an architectural phenomenon made to represent the peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

            Our first stop in the art museum was the photography gallery where I discovered some amazing photographers, such as Garry Winogrand, Adam Fuss, and Ralph Gibson, to name a few. The artwork was so inspirational; it definitely made me want to try new techniques with my art. After walking around this gallery for about an hour, we were then set lose to discover more fascinating things within the museum. My favorite exhibit was the Asian floor, where I found out about symbolism within the Asian cultures and was able to inspect the intricate pottery on display. After wandering the DAM, we sat down to the most amazing lunch in the museum restaurant Palette’s. This was a cultural event of itself, and my friends and I took hundreds of photos of the delicious food we got to eat. I am so thankful I was able to experience the Denver Art Museum with my photography friends; I was inspired while creating amazing new memories. 

Byers Evans House Museum: Mark Sink

Byers Evans House Museum: Mark Sink

            After our amazing meal we headed to the Byers Evans House Museum which featured the work of Mark Sink, who we had the pleasure of meeting. This museum is located on the backside of the older Denver Art Museum building; the old house looks extremely quaint in comparison. The house was built in 1883 by the Byers family, and then sold six years later to William Evans, one of the founders of the University of Denver. The house itself is amazing to see, the works of art inside are an added bonus; a treasure found within a treasure.

            The work of Mark Sink was extremely inspirational; I was very taken aback by the way in which he creates his art. Sink proves that there is no need for an expensive camera; amazing photography can be created even through even a toy camera from childhood. Mark Sink used the toy the “Diana” camera in the 1980’s, and soon followed a significant amount of exhibits featuring the work of toy cameras. His extreme talent with the Diana camera led him to work with the prominent fashion magazine, Vogue, and caused him to win a Kodak Images in Silver Award in 1979 (http://www.gallerysink.com/marksink/info_diana_frameset.html). Sink’s success has shown me that it is necessary to take risks to gain recognition, to create amazing art, and to achieve my dream. 

Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura:

           After our visit to the Denver Art Museum the group headed over a few streets to a hidden treasure: Camera Obscura. Hal Gould, an amazing man who is still running the gallery to this day, founded the Camera Obscura over thirty years ago, in 1979. The gallery is located in a small house, so when explored it is shocking to see the amount of artwork housed in such a small space. The downstairs has a typical feel of an art gallery- photographs evenly spaced, spotlights on each image. But I believe the real value is found in the upstairs, where every single inch of the many rooms are covered with hundreds, feeling like thousands, of magnificent pictures. Although overwhelming at first, the space soon feels magical, and viewers find themselves being sucked into every individual photograph. This place truly is an inspiration.

            Although the photographs were extremely inspiring, the real inspiration was found when Hal Gould told the story of the gallery. Camera Obscura was one of the first art galleries to consider and treat photography as a fine art. When prominent museums refused to show photography, Gould worked hard to achieve his vision of having the first gallery of photography shown as a fine art. Ansel Adams showed his photographs in Camera Obscura, when his prints sold for five dollars. His original photographs are now sold for over fifty thousand dollars (http://www.anseladams.com/category_s/71.htm).  Gould’s perseverance has had an insurmountable impact of the world of photography. Overall, this experience in the Camera Obscura gallery has shown me that anything is possible, as long as you believe in your dream. 

Sally Mann

Sally Mann: What Remains

When discussing the photographer Sally Mann, thousands of words come to mind, but what I believe captures the true essence of this stunning woman is just one word: extraordinary. Mann has it all- a home built on acres of farmland in the beautiful hills of Virginia, a supportive husband, and three gorgeous children who are her constant inspiration. Out of all the photographers studied this quarter, I related most to the work of Sally Mann. She is able to capture the feeling of an entire landscape with just one image, something most photographers work their whole lives to achieve, myself included. Mann finds inspiration in the smallest things, and is able to create a masterpiece. She has taught me to keep my eyes open, always searching for the perfect photograph.

The thing I admire most of this woman is her ability to follow her heart, regardless of the criticism received from the rest of the world, and take pictures she truly believes in. For example, she took amazing nude photographs of her three children, and although the public called them disturbing, she continued with her work as inspired as ever. She did not hesitate to follow her inspiration and take pictures of decomposing bodies, even though she knew the world would not see the beauty within her art, and it would be extremely challenging to find an art gallery to support her. She was right- art galleries denied her, but in the end she was recognized for her determination and perseverance, and achieved her dream. 

Garry Winogrand

Denver Art Museum Photographer of Choice

Garry Winogrand: Capturing a Moment

Although stylistically different, photographs by artist Garry Winogrand are significantly reminiscent of photographer Henri Cartier Bresson, a photographer previously discussed in this blog. I chose Winogrand as my artist of choice from the Denver Art Museum because I connected with the spirit captured within his photographs. My favorite photograph is the one titled “New York City, New York (Laughing Woman with Ice Cream Cone)” because Winogrand was able to encapsulate this beautiful moment in just one snapshot. This photo radiates pure joy and happiness, and makes the viewer feel as if they are there. Most importantly he allows the viewer of the photograph relate to the subjects within the photograph, making his work even more meaningful and relatable.

 Garry Winogrand is best known for his depiction of the American lifestyle of the 1960’s. His photographs are all black and white, something I have been experimenting with in my photographs. My favorite quote from Winogrand is “I like to think of photographing as a two-way act of respect. Respect for the medium, by letting it do what it does best, describe. And respect for the subject, by describing as it is. A photograph must be responsible to both.” This statement reveals the true essence of Winogrand’s philosophy about taking photos; he believes in capturing a moment in a photograph as it is in real life, showing the true beauty within the moment. This philosophy is why he was able to show his world through images. Winogrand has inspired me to try and capture the world around me through my art, try new things, and work to achieve my goals as a photographer. 

Henri Cartier Bresson

Henri Cartier Bresson:

The Impassioned Eye

            Henri Cartier Bresson states that the art of photography is being able to seize the moment, and when browsing through his body of work, that statement captures the essence of his photography. Cartier Bresson believes in photograph through simple observation, specifically capturing a moment or a feeling with one click of a button. You do not have to know much to be a photographer; you just have to simply look. Cartier Bresson is the master of photojournalism, informal photography, and is capable of capturing beautiful moments from everyday life.

            This belief about photography has a huge relation to my interpretation of what it means to be a photographer. Being a photographer means creating art through capturing a moment while adding a piece of yourself into the photo. I may not know what shutter speed works best in a specific light, or how to develop film to perfection, but I do know that every piece of art I create has a place in the art world, and more importantly a place in my heart. In other words, I may not be the most knowledgeable photographer, but my work is beautiful through its deeper meaning and importance to my life. Henri Cartier Bresson has inspired me to examine my daily life for photograph worthy moments, and has taught me that art can be found anywhere, all I need to do is open my eyes and look. 

On the Fence

            I seem to have a new obsession with taking photographs of fences, there is something I love about the angle and the interesting perspective. Fences seem so timeless, and the coloring of this picture makes it seem somewhat antique. I think the coloring really compliments the subject, especially with the paint peeling off of the wood. Overall success!!

Contrast of Light vs. Dark

           

              This quarter I have come to realize the importance of light within a photograph, and I love the outcome of this picture! The dark clouds as a backdrop accentuate the amazing light reflected on the Ritchie Center here at DU. Although rather ominous, I appreciate what this photo has to offer, and what it has taught me about lighting. 

        

So Long to Fall

       I took this picture right as the leaves began changing colors, and soon after all the leaves were gone! I love the lighting in this picture, especially in the clouds. The strong contrast of the dark tops of the trees and the bright light in the sky is really cool, and is what I think makes this picture interesting. Landscape has always been something I enjoy, and I can't wait to keep trying new things!

Tree of Hearts

         I found this tree this past weekend, and I absolutely love it! The leaves on it look like hearts. This photograph reminded me of a past photograph I took of an aspen tree where the bark looks like eyes. I love how interesting nature is, and how it is possible to find amazing things everywhere!

Architecture Inspiration

     I have always been inspired by architecture, whether extremely modern or old victorian. This past week I walked around Pearl Street with my sister, and I found inspiration everywhere! Here are just a few photos I love most!! 

Annie Leibovitz: Striving for More

 If a picture says a thousand words, then an image by Annie Leibovitz speaks millions. Not only does she produce some of the most amazing photographs, she also has a beautiful life story. She made her way through the world of photography and made a name for herself, and is now known worldwide for her exceptional talent. Annie is an inspiration to young photographers everywhere, and I know that her story will push me have high goals, and create beautiful art.

After watching the film about the life of Annie Leibovitz I left the class excited and inspired to take pictures while trying new things. Annie has taught me that taking risks will create the biggest pay off in the end, and that an artist should never be afraid to be daring. There is the expected, and then there is Annie, a revolutionary photographer. Pictures that Annie take have caused countless controversies, but that is why she is one of the most sought after photographers in the world, she is a rebel in her field of work. She demonstrated that to get noticed in this growing world of photography, a photographer needs to be better than average, something I try to be every time I pick up my camera.

The stunning work of Annie Leibovitz has the power of capturing the inner beauty of every subject. Her portraits are breathtaking, and she manages to incorporate a piece of the person within each picture. Although I do not had a lot of experience with portraits, I someday hope to acquire her skill of capturing the energy and nature of my subjects. Although being at the same level at Annie Leibovitz is only a distant dream, at least I have a goal to strive for. Annie’s story pushes me to work harder, be better, and discover my view as a photographer. 

America the Beautiful

    
                There is something extraordinarily powerful about a black and white photo of the American flag. I love the movement of this picture, and how textured the sky is. Clouds always provide a dramatic background, regardless of the subject matter. I took this picture today when walking to class; I saw the movement of the flag and had to capture the moment. Overall, I love this black and white picture- today was definitely a success!

Daisy

I picked you up and lifted your wilted frame into the sun.

I was taken back, yeah I was taken back,

and by the time I caught my breath,

you had blossomed into something that I did not expect.

- The Maine

Farmer's Market

         Today my sister and I ventured to the local farmers market, and I saw the tallest sunflower I have ever seen in my entire life; it was taller than me, and I am 5'8! Therefore I had to take a picture of this phenomenon, even though this blog has already featured a sunflower picture. Again, I fell in love with the vivid colors, and I love the brick building in the background. Pearl street, which is very close to DU, is adorable, and I have been twice in just one weekend. It is definitely a good place to take photos.

University of Denver

  Time has flown by here at the University of Denver, and before I knew it I no longer had time to post my daily pictures! Here is a collection of photographs I have taken during my time here, as well as a description and date of when each picture was taken! Enjoy!

October 1st, 2010

             This picture was taken in the afternoon when the light was gorgeous. The weather has been crazy warm for this time of year, and I am definitely hoping for a long fall, which is rare for Colorado!

October 1st, 2010

       This photo was taken in the same light as the other, which emphasized the green of the grass and leaves. I love how vivid the colors are! I also love the contrast in elements of the metal against nature. This statue is in front of our library, and is supposed to symbolize a rose. 

October 3rd, 2010

       I pass this bell tower every morning at eight in the morning on the way to my Business class. I love the architecture here on campus, and I'm happy I finally got a picture of this beautiful structure! The clouds are a beautiful backdrop.

October 5th, 2010

     I took this picture in the afternoon light on my way to a meeting. It is amazing being able to capture the beauty I am lucky enough to see every single day. That is probably my favorite part of photography, finding something beautiful and being able to preserve it forever- now this moment will never be lost.

October 8th, 2010

     This morning finally felt like fall! I woke to cloud cover, and I was surprisingly excited to feel the brisk air, although I know in a few weeks I will be wishing for the heat again. This church was moved onto campus brick by brick, and it absolutely beautiful. I know I keep praising DU's campus, but I definitely  am a very lucky college student to get to witness this everyday!!

Bowl

   Some of the best photographs in the world are pictures of everyday objects- a sign, a bike, a tree. I love the randomness of how I got this photo: looked up, pointed the camera and clicked. For some reason I really like the lines in the photo, as well as the vividness of the colors. The blue, cloudless sky was breathtaking today, and really makes this picture special. Although I am a terrible bowler, I still love going out to enjoy this activity with my friends. Overall, I am happy with my result!!

Inspiration

   Denver is home to some amazing architecture. Here is a picture of the Denver Art Museum that was built to represent the jagged Rocky Mountains. I love the sharp angles of the building, and how dramatic it looks in black and white. When younger I had the idea I wanted to be an architect, and even though that is no longer my dream, I am still constantly fascinated by how each building has it's own character. Even buildings can be extremely inspiring. If you have never been to the Denver Art Museum, I definitely recommend it!!

    I love the contrast of this black and white photo! For some reason I love how black and white captures the light coming off of metal objects, especially off of the pieces of this camera. I have officially experienced all the classes I will be taking this quarter, and let me just say Photography is definitely going to be my all time favorite. I have always been more of a creative person than a math genius, so this class I will be able to have fun and show my strong suit. This photograph is the perfect representation of this class; it's a picture of a camera, held by my photography classmate, in a photography exhibit! Perfect!

Something Beautiful

   I love this photo. It shows that even something bland and ugly like a trash dumpster has something of beauty to offer to the world. The city of Denver is filled with so much character, and it has been awesome getting to explore this wonderful place! I love the black and white contrast, because then it requires you to really look at the picture to figure out that it is a trash bin. The texture of the stickers is also really cool. TOday was he first day of classes here at DU. I am already a bit overwhelmed, but I think I am up for the challenge. More pictures to come!

I've heard it in the silence 

Seen it on a face 

I've felt it in a long hour 

Like a sweet embrace

-Newsboys

Top of the World

    The possibilities seems endless whenever coming to a new place, especially a place as wonderful as the city of Denver. Although college campus is a few light rail stops from the center of downtown, I consider myself extremely lucky. I grew up a mere forty minutes away from Denver, but was never truly able to enjoy everything it has to offer. Now I can experience everything first hand whenever I choose. I love this photo for it's angle. Whenever in a city I look up at the building towering over me, and can't help but feel excited. I love how blue the sky is- representing Colorado's 300 days of sunshine. I'm beyond excited to experience this city to it's fullest!

I'm ready for the pressure

The drama and the pleasure

Got my whole life here in front of me

I'm taking over when I walk the streets

- Pussycat Dolls

The Cave In Which We Live

 (photo taken from http://mahimahi.uchicago.edu/drupal/english/about/alumni/bookshelf)

Through the writing of Susan Sontag in the collection of essays with in  the book On Photography the world has begun to question and analyze the affect of photography, and what can be perceived as absolute truth. Sontag compares the philosophical idea of Plato’s Cave to depict her beliefs of modern photography. Although her ideas have deemed to be controversial, they certainly have gotten the worlds attention, thus causing the mass speculation of what really is the truth behind photography.

Plato is the philosopher who imagined a scenario now known as Plato’s Cave, where a group of people was fooled by shadows dancing on the wall of their cave, believing they were live spirits. These shadows were in fact people dancing behind a fire that they were not able to see. Sontag uses this vision as an analogy to explain her perspective of what photography truly is; Sontag believes the camera provides the world with lies. People believe in the obvious, the captured moment in time, the proof. It is necessary for a person to have a concrete piece of evidence in order to believe something is the truth, which is why photography can be so dangerous. Without context to an event, pictures can be extremely deceiving. While photographs do show a piece of the truth, it can never be certain whether or not the photo is unbiased and not showing a skewed version of what is actually occurring. Sontag believes that photographs are the shadows on the wall. Yes, the shadows do exist, like the moment the picture was taken, but in reality the spirits are in fact just shadows, like the moment the picture was taken is only a small part of the truth.

Another way in which photographs can be extremely biased is through the work of the photographer. The photographer is free to skew the image whichever way they please, and can do this in several different ways. A person who captures a moment on film can show just his or her own perspective. For example in a war zone, a photographer might take a gruesome picture of a soldier from one country killing another. This photograph automatically makes the killer seem vicious and cruel, causing the viewer of the photo to have sympathy for the victim, when in fact the victim may have just injured the killer’s family. Who knows what the truth is? All the viewer sees is that specific second, and from just that they can draw up their own conclusions.

            Another way in which the photographer can alter the entire idea behind the photograph is through modern technology. These days, cameras come with programs that allow the photographer to completely revise the original picture. For example many computer programs enable the photographer to crop the picture, remove imperfections, and brighten the colors. With the program Photoshop the photographer can combine two pictures and create an entirely different photo. These programs allow the creation of something that is not real, an event that did not occur; these photographs are made up of lies. Sontag comments that the world is full of cameras, not necessarily photographers. Today, any one person can take a picture and make it extraordinary using the tools given to us through modern technology. Sontag makes her readers question what it truly means to be a photographer.

            Whether a “true” photographer or an amateur, photography allows everyone to express his or her beliefs and produce images that create a window into their world. Within every photograph lies an experience that the photographer has. Families use a camera to document memories: the holidays, birthdays, talent shows. Other photographers use a camera for their profession: at a fashion shoot for Vogue, or on an African safari for National Geographic. The difference between photography and seeing is the experience. Photography might produce an image that evokes a memory, but actually seeing allows a person to absorb an event and remember internally. What a person sees also can affect their photography. For example, a photography blog may only contain what a person sees every single day. The images are limited to and represent the bubble in which that person lives: their father’s guitar, the flowers in their backyard.  But once the view of what that person sees changes, like moving to a new city, or going off to college, their photography is open to a whole new world, and a whole new perspective.  The way in which a person experiences the world changes the entire dynamic between seeing and photography.

            Susan Sontag presents the truth about photography from an entirely new perspective. Her allusion to Plato’s Cave requires the reader to question what photography means to them, and whether they believe photography to be made of lies. Although photography is an amazing form of artistic expression, Sontag is correct in her beliefs. Photographs are made from a photographer’s personal perspective and ideology, causing pictures to be made up of opinions and bias, not true events.  The way a person sees the world contributes to how and where they take pictures. To see is to also experience and remember, instead of just viewing pictures that solely represent memories. Overall, through the work of Susan Sontag, photography has transformed to a whole new dimension, exposing the personal question: Is the world of photography only shadows on the cave wall?

Cheyenne Michaels

      This is my new friend Cheyenne Michaels, a student at the University of Denver and member of the freshman seminar class Personal Histories of Photography. She lives in the town right next to mine, and we even discovered that we know some of the same people. It's when I meet people like her that I realize this really is a small world. Her favorite color is purple, and if she were to be an animal she would be a snow fox, which are pretty awesome. When asked what the best night of her life so far was, she began to describe a night of trespassing, everything from abandoned train cars to sneaking on roofs. So if you are ever looking for an adventure, find Cheyenne. Also, if you love Japanese food, she is the girl to take to dinner. When asked what food she would eat for the rest of her life if only able to eat one variety, she chose Japanese. So whether you love purple, are looking for adventure, or just need a fun friend, get to know this girl- she's awesome.

Welcome to Denver

    It's my first few days at the University of Denver and I am absolutely in love with this school and this city. Today my amazing First Year Seminar class took the light rail and headed into the city to look at some photographers. Our first stop was the Denver Art Museum where we looked at several different exhibits and then ate lunch, a three course meal at the restaurant Palettes. So delicious. Next we headed to the exhibit of Mark Sink, which was unbelievable. He talked to us about his work, and I can honestly say I left inspired. We then stopped by the building to see Camera Obscura, a collection put together by Hal Gould. It was so interesting learning about how he helped photography to be known as fine art. It was great getting to know my all girl seminar, we all get along so well. Overall, the day was amazing, and I can not wait to learn more!!

If I Ain't Got You

    Linnea, Maren and Nicole have been the most amazing friends through the years! Today was our last day before we all head off to school, so we decided to have a relaxing time at the pool. Linnea is headed to Texas, Maren to Connecticut, and Nicole is going over seas to Abu Dhabi. Even though we have many miles between us, I know we will stay best friends. Like we were close in middle and high school, we will remain close all through college :) Good luck! 

Some people want diamond rings

Some just want everything

But everything means nothing

If I ain't got you, yeah

-Alicia Keys

Butterflies

   One of the best parts of summer is getting to see the world around you come alive. Butterflies are a symbol of happiness and freedom, and that is why I chose to take this picture today. Butterflies are the only insects I can truthfully say are extremely beautiful. I love how graceful, colorful and alive these pretty little things are. It's perfect that I caught this moment, and I'm very grateful to have so many of these beautiful creatures just outside my window. My favorite part of this picture is the contrast of the colors, the green, blue, yellow, and purple. Again, today was a success!

Don't go chasing after butterflies 
when everything you want
is right here by your side

-Norah Jones

Talk

   This is the view from my backyard here in Lafayette, Colorado. I love this view because it reminds me of home, and reminds me that I am lucky to have this beautiful landscape to look at! I chose these lyrics for this photo because in exactly four days I move to Denver and start my new life as a college student! It makes me wonder where I will be at in my life the next time I see this beautiful sight! 

You can take a picture of something you see

In the future where will I be?

You can climb a ladder up to the sun

Or write a song nobody has sung or do

Something that's never been done 

-Coldplay

The Spider's Web

       The spider web can represent so much within our society, whether it be the fear of something or the idea of constructing a foundation. Personally, I am deathly afraid of spiders. I hate everything about them, but I do like the concept of their webs. I love how they assemble their entire lives: their home, their way of catching food, how they can rebuild whenever, wherever. This photo is really cool because the light is shinning, emphasizing the strands of the web. I really like the black and white because it makes it highlighted and more dramatic.

 Thus I, gone forth as spiders do
 In spider's web a truth discerning,
 Attach one silken thread to you
For my returning.
-E.B. White