Jan. 9th 2011
Melanie Greenwald- 10th grade. Photography with Ms. Foss
Melanie Greenwald is a very talented Photography Portfolio student. I am impressed by Melanie’s excitement and dedication to our photography class. She has the maturity far beyond her grade level. Melanie has been concentrating on portraiture this semester and her portraits are truly outstanding. Her subjects often have a lively and exuberant expression.
When did you first become interested in photography?
During the summer after 7th grade I took photography at my summer camp. I was amazed with what could be done in a darkroom and decided to take photography classes at the Rye Arts Center. Ever since then I frequently take pictures, both film and digital, and have been working hard to broaden my knowledge on the subject. I took Photo 1 and 2 my freshman year and am currently taking Photo Portfolio. I am planning to take AP Photography my junior year.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on portraits, which is my concentration for the year. I am trying different techniques in my photos such as having the person use a prop or layering in different backgrounds on Photoshop. I enjoy taking portraits because when taking a picture of a person you are able to tell a story and evoke an inner emotion that the person may be feeling.
Do you have any favorite photographers or pieces of work?
My two favorite photographers are definitely Annie Leibovitz and Richard Avedon. Both of their pictures are so strong and the intentions behind the pictures are clear. In particular like one of Annie Leibovitz’s pictures of two men on a beach dancing. The use of movement really inspired me from a young age to work with people. Also, I enjoy many of Richard Avedon’s portraits because they tell a clear story about the person and give you a sense of familiarity even if you have never heard of the person. This sense of a story is what I try and model my work after.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I definitely want to continue photography in my future and possibly turn it into a career. I have always wanted to be a teacher and seeing what work my photography teachers have done had got me to think about becoming a photography teacher in the future. If I was to become a famous photographer then I would want to work as a fashion photographer for a big magazine .
Nov. 15th 2010
Jason Mandel -11th grade. Photography with Ms. Foss
Jason Mandel, an 11th grade Photo Portfolio student is a diligent worker, who has been exploring older techniques using Polaroid film to create emulsion transfers (an almost extinct process that has recently been rescued by a company dedicated to providing Polaroid artists with supplies) and also uses a medium format camera, which was quite popular in the 1940’s and takes larger, square photographs as opposed to 35 mm rectangular. Jason is in my room several periods in the day, working hard on building his portfolio.- Ms. Foss
see interview below
see interview below
Q: Jason, what is it that appeals to you about these older processes?
It’s something different. With the advent of digital, everyone can be a photographer and it has taken away from some of the aspects of photography. It is good and bad. Photography used to be a time consuming process and digital photography is too quick and easy and impersonal. it takes you out of the process of making the image. It is about quality not quantity. There is a different feel to these films than digital: more depth, tone and emotion and it feels stronger to me than any digital processes.
Q: What are some of your favorite subjects to photograph?
With the medium format camera I like to do street portraiture, I walk around the city, especially Greenwich Village, taking photos of interesting people. With the polaroid I tend to take pictures of things, still lifes and interior and exterior spaces things that you might find in your everyday life but are still unique to a specific place.
Q: Who are some of your favorite photographers?
Sylvia Plachy, Diane Arbus, Joel Meyerowitz and Robert Frank.
Q: How and when did your interest in photography begin?
I was always interested in cameras but I think my interest in photography really began in 9th grade while taking Photo 1. At that time my images were not strong initially but I liked the darkroom process and the feel of making the image.
Q: Do you plan to study art in college?
Yes, I think I will and I would like to continue to expand my experimentation with alternative processes. I would like to try cyanotypes and also liquid emulsion.
It’s something different. With the advent of digital, everyone can be a photographer and it has taken away from some of the aspects of photography. It is good and bad. Photography used to be a time consuming process and digital photography is too quick and easy and impersonal. it takes you out of the process of making the image. It is about quality not quantity. There is a different feel to these films than digital: more depth, tone and emotion and it feels stronger to me than any digital processes.
Q: What are some of your favorite subjects to photograph?
With the medium format camera I like to do street portraiture, I walk around the city, especially Greenwich Village, taking photos of interesting people. With the polaroid I tend to take pictures of things, still lifes and interior and exterior spaces things that you might find in your everyday life but are still unique to a specific place.
Q: Who are some of your favorite photographers?
Sylvia Plachy, Diane Arbus, Joel Meyerowitz and Robert Frank.
Q: How and when did your interest in photography begin?
I was always interested in cameras but I think my interest in photography really began in 9th grade while taking Photo 1. At that time my images were not strong initially but I liked the darkroom process and the feel of making the image.
Q: Do you plan to study art in college?
Yes, I think I will and I would like to continue to expand my experimentation with alternative processes. I would like to try cyanotypes and also liquid emulsion.
2009/2010
May/June- This our last artist of the month for the year! I can't believe we only have three weeks of classes left. Thank you to all the artists of the month who keep us inspired all throughout the year!
Shavone M.- 11th grade
Portfolio Development- Ms. Petras
Shavone is a very focused and independent worker. When she is given a new material to work with, she intently experiments with it, pushing it to its full potential. Shavone does not rely on anyone else to explain things to her or figure them out,instead she problem solves on her own and the results of her efforts are both original and impressive. Shavone has an endurance and discipline for art making that is rare at her age and she has really developed so much this year. We are excited to see her work will blossom next year!!
self portrait- color pencil
Q: I noticed you had incredible focus during this project. Can you talk about making it?
A: I just tried my best in color pencil. Sometimes I like painting but I think color pencil suits me better.
Q: Why does color pencil suit you better?
A: I have the energy for that.
Q: I recently read some of your poetry and it was amazing, do you see a future for yourself in the arts?
A: Yes, poetry, art, architecture and writing music are all interests.
Q: Do you play music?
A: Yes, Acoustic and Electric Guitar. I played guitars since I was 13 and writing music the same time.
Q: Wow! So you would like to continue studying art in college?
A: Yes, any art. Also when I have a bad or stressful day, art helps me pull the stress level down.
Q: Awesome! I can’t wait to see, read or hear your future art!
A: Thank you!
April/May
Alexandra B.- 12th grade
AP Drawing and AP Photo- Ms. Petras and Ms. Pirie
Alex has been a very hard working and impressive student all year. This month her year culminates with two very strong (24 pieces each!!) AP portfolio's. Even though she has enough work to submit, Alex has been continuing to make new pieces that get better and better. It is this rare passion and determination that will ensure Alex's success in the coming years in art school. It has been a pleasure to work with Alex and we can't wait to see how her work grows in the future!
gouache puppy
March/April
Peggy S.- 9th grade
Mixed Media- Ms. Pirie
Peggy is an avid art student. Her counselor enrolled her in my Mixed Media class because she didn't have an art class and was sitting at her door doing drawing and making art. As Peggy was finalizing her word layout assignment, students in the class were blown away by her work and suggested Peggy be the next 'artist of the month'. I thought that was a great suggestion. Peggy is a dedicated and talented art student who, in my estimation, has a bright future in art. (Q&A below)
above recent word layout assignment
below, work from Studio in Art I
Q:What has influenced your strong interest in drawing and making art?
A:Because I like art and because I cannot express myself in writings, so I express myself in art.
Q:What are your favorite things to draw?
A: Animations
Q: Do you think you would want to pursue art professionally?
A: I'm not really sure.
Thanks Peggy! We can't wait to see what else you make!
February/ March
Barrie S.- 12th grade
AP Photo- Ms. Pirie
Barrie has been a solid, responsible, and independent student. Her photographs speak for themselves. Barrie is a very positive influence on her peers and she demonstrates strong leadership skills in class and through her involvement in extra curricular activities such as Yearbook and HR club. Her contributions to the Blind Brook Photography/Art program over the years have been interesting and exciting to watch unfold! (interview below)
Some of Barrie's recent work:
Q&A with Barrie S.
Q:How long have you been taking photography?A:I started photography when I was 13 at summer camp. I learned how to load and develop film on my own and have been obsessed with it ever since.
Q: How have you and your photography developed over the years?
A:Throughout the years I've learned new techniques of how to photograph different subjects, while also gaining the skills that have made my art more interesting and detailed.
Q: Can you describe your AP concentration and what inspires its development?
A: My AP concentration is focused on people and movement. I had realized that I had liked taking movement photography more than still life so I started to direct my attention more on capturing those moments. Then, each time I became better at getting those specific types of pictures.
Q: Do you see yourself pursuing photography in the future?
A: I do see it being in my future, whether it being just a hobby or a career choice. I know I'll always love photography.
Thank you Barrie!
January/ February
Emily C.- 9th grade
Studio in Art- Ms. Petras
Emily is a very positive influence on others. She quietly toils away at her projects, often coming in during her extra free periods or takes work home to make it just right. Emily may not be the fastest of workers but she is diligent and determined to complete her vision without compromise. It is rare to see a student with such a natural intuition when it comes to making decisions about how to complete her artwork. There is a clear stylistic direction happening in Emily’s work and I can't wait to see how her work develops. Keep up the good work Emily! (interview below)
Q&A with Emily C.
Q: Have you always been interested in Drawing and Painting?
A: I have always been interested in Drawing and Painting. I have taken art classes since kindergarten and especially like drawing people.
Q: What is your favorite medium?
A: My favorite medium is pencil.
Q: Do you have a favorite artist or artwork?
A:My favorite famous artist is Norman Rockwell because I think his subjects are interesting and I like how much detail he uses in his work.
Q: Would you like to continue making art/taking art classes?
A: I would like to continue making art and taking art classes. I want to gain more experience in painting and other mediums.
Q: What new material would you most like to experiment with?
A: I would like to use watercolor more and to create another oil painting.
Thank you Emily!
December/January
Eleana L. 9th grade
Photography 1- Ms. Pirie
Eleana is a fantastic student who does outstanding photography. She is conscientious, meticulous, and serious about her work. Eleana is open to suggestions and always strives to make the best possible composition and print. Her comments during critiques are thoughtful and insightful. Below is a few of her recent works and an interview below.
recent black and white work
Q&A with Eleana L.
Q: How long have you been taking pictures?
EL: I've just started taking photos this year.
Q: How has learning to develop and print your own photographs changed the way you think about photography?
EL: Usually people think it is more difficult than it really is. The challenge is to develop an artistic eye to take really interesting pictures.
Q: What kinds of things are you most interested in photographing?
EL: I prefer still life and nature... and some abstract things.
Q: You told me once that you never felt very artistically inclined before this class. How has that changed?
EL: I used to think most arts were drawing and painting, when I found photo I realized I had a pretty good eye.
Q: Would you like to continue taking photos? What new techniques would you like to learn?
EL: Yes as long as I possibly can. After I learn the basics I'd like to learn more advanced techniques.
Thank You Eleana ! Excellent work!
Previous Artist of the Month selections below
November/December
MARIANNA H 11th grade
Portfolio Development in Drawing and Painting.
Marianna consistently demonstrates self-discipline and self-motivation in developing her art portfolio. She is taking a more active role in designing her own projects to make her portfolio unique and personal. Marianna is kind to others and has an infectious upbeat attitude that always makes the classroom more fun! Below is a sample of some of her recent work and some Q&A with the artist.