Hi! I'm crossing my fingers to get a response tonight! I have to edit this down to 500 works. Currently it is 798. I'm at a loss. 500 words seems so short. They simply say that "This statement should address your influences, interests, brief life history, current direction, and your reasons for applying to a graduate program at this time." Also, I want to change the beginning. I know so many application essays begin with something like this and I want mine to resonate with them, but I can't think anymore. Perhaps I need to walk away and take a little break. Thanks so much! I appreciate any feedback!
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Born and in northern West Virginia, I was inspired to photograph the Appalachian wilderness at a very young age. I developed an unaided appreciation for the arts which led me to explore several visual art mediums, but photography resonated with me most. The development of my personal work in photography began during my senior year as an undergraduate student at West Virginia University. It was my first experience working closely with a professor of photography and I found the experience of one-on-one critique to be very rewarding as well as an indication of my need to pursue graduate work in photography. As my personal work matures, I believe the unique professor-student mentorship and critique the University of Hartford could provide is essential to my growth in photography. Thus, the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Hartford will enable me to focus on developing as an artist and fulfilling my career goals.
Following my undergraduate work I have spent the last three years focusing on my development as an artist. In the spring of 2010, I moved to Miami to live with my sister. I was intriged by the city's stark contrast to my childhood home. This move sparked my current interest in private living spaces. It was in part the move to an entirely different environment and the challenges of living with a family member again after so many years.
I am primarily interested in how sharing a private space with an individual can drastically change a relationship. In the case of my current project, Lewis Street, I took part in sharing a private space with seven individuals.
The series I am submitting came unintentionally from a short stay in California during the summer of 2012. I was staying for three months. I was staying long enough to refer to the house as "home," yet short enough to feel the alluring sense of freedom that comes from knowing you will soon leave a place forever.
I was able to see a group of people come together gradually with the encouragement of one strong personality and witnessed how the patterns shifted as housemates left and others arrived. The house became a catalyst -- a place where things were not possessed, but shared; a place where there was a pressure to feel comfortable in your own skin and look past flaws, and a slow evolution highly influenced by those who called it home. For every bit of freedom we felt, there was a nagging voice of reason; an urge to stick to domestic norms. The house was pliable, in my short stay I saw people leave and others come, and observed the shifting disposition of the house as a whole.
The project consists of a series images accompanied by audio interviews with each individual of the house. I've edited the interviews so that my questions aren't heard. I want the audio to feel like one side of a conversation so that the listener feels as though they are either part of this conversation or that they are eavesdropping on a very intimate conversation.
I'm particularly interested in how this audio accompaniment alters or enhances the viewing experience. By providing the viewer with another part of the story, they perhaps get a glimpse of the experience of actually living in the house from my perspective, yet they are not given the complete story, allowing them to relate it to their own experiences. I am interested in investigating this further especially in terms of nostalgia or temporary living conditions.
With this series I have also seen how editing can be the most crucial, and daunting part of producing strong work. What I hope to gain with graduate studies is to perfect the editing process, with guidance, to communicate my desired portion of the story.
I am confident that I would be the ideal candidate for a low-residency program. The bulk of my work comes from independent study and self-directed cultivation. This is proof that I can stay focused on my work while balancing the realities of life. Though I have researched other low-residency programs, the impressive faculty and travel aspect of the program at the University of Hartford interests me most. Further adding to the uniqueness of the program is its focus on the photographic book. The production of a book in inevidable in a photographer's career, and when done correctly, it can be a unique gift and priveledge to those who might otherwise not be able to hold the artwork in their hands. I believe this is the next stage of study toward becoming a professional artist and a valid voice within the art community. The valuable instruction that the University of Hartford has to offer would make possible and enrich my educational journey as an artist.
Also, I want to change the beginning.
Born and in northern West Virginia, I was inspired to photograph the Appalachian wilderness at a very young age.
Okkkkkkkk... then tell them something that caught your photographic eye irresistibly in the Appalachian wilderness. Then build on your growing passion for photography. :) Since you are to speak about your interests, you cannot avoid talking about your interest in photography. :) However, it's always good to show your creative talents in writing because the admission committee should remember your application among so many others. :)
Good Luck!
