Taken during his final two years as a student at KU, his photographs remind us of the simple pleasures of process and the humbleness of our work. For some, these are the first spaces where art is created. Perhaps this will be the only place where they make art, or perhaps here will be where they learn a practice that stays with them. For some it is our most comfortable place, for some a diversion from other pursuits. Whatever the reason, here we are able to spend a few hours in a place where questions are more correct than answers, beauty more honored than reason.
Words and interview by Mike Sinclair
Words and interview by Mike Sinclair
“These pictures were a way for me to capture how students utilized these learning spaces in the building. Their actions impacted the way the rooms were arranged and what was in them. They left small artifacts that tell stories of who was there and what they were doing”
How did this project start?
This project started when I was a junior at KU. I had just officially left the photography program and switched my major to communications. Among other things, I missed the building, Chalmers Hall, where I spent the first half of my college career. I thought about this building a lot and, in particular, the work spaces, studios, and classrooms that students spent time in. I began walking around the building after classes let out and making quick snapshots of things that I found interesting. My approach and tactics changed a bit during this process and I eventually started making these photos.
I’m curious about your process. Over what period of time were they taken, did the photos change much, what equipment did you use, and why are there no people?
What was exciting to me was how different the same room could be when I would return to it, sometimes just a few days later. These pictures were a way for me to capture how students utilized these learning spaces in the building. Their actions impacted the way the rooms were arranged and what was in them. They left small artifacts that tell stories of who was there and what they were doing: small hand-written notes, postcards, instructions on chalkboards, art supplies, arrangements of furniture. These small details always made me excited to return.
I made these pictures with a digital camera. There are no people in the pictures because, in my opinion, the impact of people already seemed so prevalent in the space itself.
You made so much work at KU, most of it outside of classes — just for yourself— can you talk about what made you do that?
I made a lot of work while I was at KU for a number of reasons. I was inspired by the work of professors and artists that I would see in books and galleries. Their curiosity and dedication to their craft inspired me to explore things that I was curious about.
Were you interested in art before coming to KU?
For as long as I can recall, I have made things. I did spend time at art museums in St. Louis, where I am from. But I did not have much of an understanding or knowledge of fine art before I went to KU.
What artists, photographers, and or writers influence you?
Some of the artists and works that inspire me are: Stephen Shore, particularly his photographs of courthouses, and Ed Ruscha’s photographs of household products, and his small books, such as Records.
Is there anything you miss about not being in school?
I do miss being in school. I miss the professors who always encouraged me to make work. I miss the free time to explore ideas and try to find answers to questions
that I have. I miss the coffee in Lawrence too.
How do you keep up your creative energy?
I have a lot of excess energy from being at work during the day. I have to express it somehow. Oftentimes, how I do that is through making or thinking about photographs.
What are you working on now?
Now that I am living in downtown Kansas City I ride my bike around, always with a camera in my pack.
Any advice for current students?
Make pictures every day. Be curious and ask yourself questions. Decide what is interesting to you and explore it.
How did this project start?
This project started when I was a junior at KU. I had just officially left the photography program and switched my major to communications. Among other things, I missed the building, Chalmers Hall, where I spent the first half of my college career. I thought about this building a lot and, in particular, the work spaces, studios, and classrooms that students spent time in. I began walking around the building after classes let out and making quick snapshots of things that I found interesting. My approach and tactics changed a bit during this process and I eventually started making these photos.
I’m curious about your process. Over what period of time were they taken, did the photos change much, what equipment did you use, and why are there no people?
What was exciting to me was how different the same room could be when I would return to it, sometimes just a few days later. These pictures were a way for me to capture how students utilized these learning spaces in the building. Their actions impacted the way the rooms were arranged and what was in them. They left small artifacts that tell stories of who was there and what they were doing: small hand-written notes, postcards, instructions on chalkboards, art supplies, arrangements of furniture. These small details always made me excited to return.
I made these pictures with a digital camera. There are no people in the pictures because, in my opinion, the impact of people already seemed so prevalent in the space itself.
You made so much work at KU, most of it outside of classes — just for yourself— can you talk about what made you do that?
I made a lot of work while I was at KU for a number of reasons. I was inspired by the work of professors and artists that I would see in books and galleries. Their curiosity and dedication to their craft inspired me to explore things that I was curious about.
Were you interested in art before coming to KU?
For as long as I can recall, I have made things. I did spend time at art museums in St. Louis, where I am from. But I did not have much of an understanding or knowledge of fine art before I went to KU.
What artists, photographers, and or writers influence you?
Some of the artists and works that inspire me are: Stephen Shore, particularly his photographs of courthouses, and Ed Ruscha’s photographs of household products, and his small books, such as Records.
Is there anything you miss about not being in school?
I do miss being in school. I miss the professors who always encouraged me to make work. I miss the free time to explore ideas and try to find answers to questions
that I have. I miss the coffee in Lawrence too.
How do you keep up your creative energy?
I have a lot of excess energy from being at work during the day. I have to express it somehow. Oftentimes, how I do that is through making or thinking about photographs.
What are you working on now?
Now that I am living in downtown Kansas City I ride my bike around, always with a camera in my pack.
Any advice for current students?
Make pictures every day. Be curious and ask yourself questions. Decide what is interesting to you and explore it.