We like to know how people are connected to Delaware Fun a Day - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found being in the exhibit?
I was born and raised in Delaware with a short stint in Maryland where I went to Cecil College to study photography. Being able to participate in Delaware Fun-a-Day has forced me out of a slump where I only picked up my camera when I was paid to be. It has made me fall in love with photography again and has inspired me to find other ways to express my creativity such as painting and embroidery.
You’re one of several dedicated Cecil County artists that we have join us each year, so tell me, who influenced you to participate in Delaware Fun-A-Day, and who in turn have you influenced to participate?
Although I do slightly remember hearing chatter around Delaware Fun-a-Day at Cecil College, it was my co-worker at Apple, Helen Ounjian, that has participated for the past 6 years and really encouraged me to give it a try. In turn I’ve encourage a few others to participate over the years and or invite them to opening night in hopes that they want to join next year.
This is going to be your THIRD year participating! Can you describe your favorite past Fun-A-Day project?
My favorite project so far was actually my first. I did a series of photos that where monochromatic bright colors. For example; a bright shiny red apple on a red background and yellow paint dripping off a paint brush against a yellow backdrop. The following year I did a series of paintings and this year a friend motivated me to give embroidery a try and I had the grand idea to really step out of my comfort zone and create embroidered jewelry. I hope that it works out as well as it has in my head.
Professionally you’re a photographer and you focus on weddings, engagements, and portraits, but are people in fact your favorite photographic subject? In 2017 your Fun-A-Day project used block color photography centered on various objects, not specifically people, and I’m curious if Fun-A-Day is an outlet to break from the typical type of photography you do?
As much as I do really enjoy portraits and weddings when I have equally fun and creative subjects, I adore photography that shows texture and that is colorful. Still life photography allows me slow down and carry out my vision. That series of photos from 2017 though, inspired me to shoot a series of bright monochromatic portraits.
Do you find that focusing on other people’s happy moments and events through your craft, in turn, keeps you in a mental or emotional bubble of happiness?
Yes and no. Yes, because I do feed off of the energy and emotions of those around me so, if I am shooting someone that is energetic and funny I will naturally try to push them in to fun poses to showcase that personality. Whereas, if I have someone that maybe isn’t very comfortable in front of a camera I will stick to more traditional poses and try to get them to talk and relax or just understand that they are happy with that alone.
No, because speaking as someone who personally struggles with infertility, taking maternity and newborn photos can feel heartbreaking. The last few years have been difficult to remain my happy self for my clients that are expecting or new parents. It’s not just a bit of jealousy of what they have as it is a reminder of the emotional and physical toll that fertility treatments has on myself and my husband. However, I do consider it a privilege to capture those special moments for those who have had the same struggles and it is those moments that encourages us to keep trying.
You actually met your husband through photography. Is it helpful having a partner that is interested in the same artistic medium as you? Is he able to give you suggestions about the direction of your artistry, or pull you out of a creative funk?
Joe is a very creative person and at times it can be intimidating how often he thinks about his craft. He wears many hats as a writer, podcaster, videographer, graphic designer and gamer. While he doesn’t take many photos these days, anytime he picks up a camera he jokes that he is the better photographer in the family. Its his constant motivation to keep his material fresh and to learn that pulls me out of any creative slump.
I found your 2020 New Year’s resolution to be particularly relatable. You stated that you’re looking for “opportunities to be more creative” and you want to finish your “color series and have an exhibit”. What great goals! What are some ways, other than participating in Fun-A-Day that you plan to motivate yourself this year? Are you looking for groups to join, or organizational tools, or exhibit spaces to explore?
Well, my first goal is to FINALLY finish the portrait color series. I have spent so much time thinking about the last few images I want to capture. Now that I have a plan and models, I just need to finish getting the makeup and props. As far as exhibit space, I have not yet began exploring my options but I am welcome to any and all suggestions! Outside of photography, I am really enjoying embroidery. I find it to be relaxing and something I can still do while relaxing and binge watching something on Netflix.
Fiber art has been a little under-represented at Fun-A-Day in years past, which is why it’s really exciting to see that your 2020 project is going to be "Embroidered Jewelry”. It’s a break from your photographic work. What has drawn you to this new medium?
One of my friends, Felicia, who I encouraged to join this year, began doing embroidery while she was out of work tending to her injured ankle and she completely fell in love with it. I had personally never tried it before and after seeing her posts on instagram I took her advice I began with some simple designs. I looked to etsy and Pinterest to find inspiration for any new pieces and few jewelry designs caught my eye.
Before I knew it I was buying all the supplies I needed to make necklaces, earrings and bracelets. This will be way of of my comfort zone and my husband thinks I am crazy for not sticking to photography but I think its nice to explore different creative outlets. Having just started I can tell you this will in no way replace my love for photography and it certainly doesn’t come natural but, I’m enjoying it for now.
As a former college educator, do you find that your time as an instructor bolstered or hampered your creativity? Sometimes when educators are so dedicated and focused on helping others that it can take away from their creative energy toward their own projects. Do you feel there’s any truth in that statement?
I think whether you are teaching photography or if you are a paid photographer it is extremely easy to treat it as just a job and that may sometimes cause you to not want to shoot, edit, or even talk about it when you are exhausted. For me weddings can be so physically and mentally draining that I often need the next day to rest and get a massage. I love weddings, I love the energy, but its hours of carrying a lot of equipment around your neck and shoulders while standing or kneeling for 8-13 hours. It is also an adrenaline rush because you must always be super aware of your surroundings because you do not want to miss a single thing. However, the reward of seeing the newly weds gush over their photos and albums makes it all worth it.
Teaching on the other hand always made me appreciate photography more. Most of my students at Cecil College were simply just taking my class to get their art credit and had no interest in pursuing photography any further. However, watching my students shamelessly lay on the ground in the middle of the campus to get the perfect shot or framing their exhibit piece with pride always made me extremely proud to be a teacher and a photographer.
What are the top 3 pieces of advice you would give to our new-comers?
Have FUN!!!! Remember its FUN a day not STRESS a day! (I need to remember this myself from time to time)
If you aren’t sure what to do stick with what you know and love.
Get your friends to join in or help in some way, sometimes their input can be helpful if you are stuck.
Where can people see more of your work?
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m equally excited and terrified to try something new this year and I hope everyone enjoys it.
