As an art educator teaching primarily photography classes, I find that the most interesting works my high school students create are the ones where I get to learn more about them: their individual personalities and the things that motivate them in life. I often see a reflective quality within the subject matter. At times my photography students capture an emotional quality in their work that reveals aspects of their identity. These photographs are embedded with a multitude of personal experiences and feelings. Thus the outcome ends up being a portrait whether or not the literal, figurative aspect can be seen.
Artists have an urge to create, and the necessity of this impetus is often derived from an inner motivating force. In this way, the sheer act of creating art becomes transformative and exists outside of the self. Art is an intrinsic part of the identity of the artist. The process of creating demonstrates decision making, and the result is filled with personal aesthetic choices. There is no separating the individual from their art and that experience; it is a part of them.
When working with adolescent students, I know that this time in their lives is pivotal: they are in the process of discovering who they are as people. Photography can be used as a tool for exploration to get to the essence of who they are as individuals. Capturing photos illuminates this sense of self-discovery. These photographic works have been created by a person, a human being (at least for now; I’m exempting AI), which calls attention to the human condition with all its vulnerabilities and strengths.
Sabrina Cooper, Converse, digital photo, 8 x 10 in., 2020.
One art assignment that I give students centers around capturing expressive gestures using hands and/or feet. One student, Sabrina, captured her trendy high-top sneakers as viewed from above with two light sources. She used colored gels to capture her spunky, playful personality. Another example is a photo by Laura: a hand with outstretched fingers is held up to the sky, filled with luminous clouds in the background. Here we see the softness of these clouds contrasted with the powerful reach of the hand and the fine texture of the frayed fabric from her shirt sleeve. She has captured contrasting elements, and it makes us want to know more.
Laura Chavoustie, Meaning of a Hand, 8 x 10 in., 2019.
In my art and photography classes students practice using the artistic process, using its tools and techniques. They have a sense of freedom and freshness when they are invited to explore an idea. Sometimes it is the process or art media that is the central focus, and the image evolves from it. At other times, the concept is the starting point right from the beginning.
Corbin Bouchard, Untitled, digital photo, 8 x 10 in., 2018.
Another assignment prompt I give is focused on hands and precious objects. In a close-up photo by Corbin, he has captured hands holding an instrument. We notice the chipped nail polish, and it reminds us of how adolescence is like this youth in his unpolished state continuing to evolve. In a selfie by Ethan, we see him blocking his face and holding up a Nike Air sneaker. It is presented in front of his face, close to the viewer so that it appears larger than his likeness. We are aware that the shoe holds a great deal of significance to him. The object says, “this is me.”
Ethan Upham, Selfie and Precious, digital photo, 8 x 10 in., 2021.
In a light and shadow project, Jordan has captured bare feet on the ground grasping at a branch. The lighting sets the tone and creates emphasis on the scattered dirt. In another photo by Drew, we see a lovely portrait of a classmate wearing a straw hat. This girl, with light dabbling across her face, appears patient as if waiting to say something to us. There is a faraway look in her eyes.
Jordan VanSavage, Foot, digital photo, 8 x 10 in., 2021.
Sometimes I emphasize the concept as the starting point for an assignment and ask my students to write and brainstorm ideas ahead of time. They like to work in small groups with their peers as models. In a photo by Fiona, titled Visage (photo at top), we can see a figure sitting on a stool, but it is a fractured image. It shows the shape of a figure but within it are many repeated tiny figures, each one a bit distorted. We are left to wonder more about what is hidden in this moment. The shot was taken peering through a geometric plastic curtain using natural lighting. One piece that will always be embossed in my mind’s eye is a portrait of a girl titled Mother Nature. Here the student, Lauren, has crafted a floral wreath and crown for her classmate to wear in the photoshoot. She added the dust mask over her face that gives the feeling of suffocation. The girl in the photo, Layne, holds her eyes wide open and shares a look of surprise. This photo was taken the year before the COVID pandemic when we all needed to protect ourselves. Now I see it as a foreshadowing piece, way ahead of its time.
Lauren Jacobs, Mother Earth, digital photo, 8 x 10 in., 2021.
I love seeing the work of my students. It shows me how they view the world and what is important to them. I get to know them on a deeper level when I see what they create. Their art is personal. Each year I am overjoyed at the individuality of each student’s art. I am lucky that I get to teach students willing to share moments in real time that I have not seen before. It is these moments that keep inspiring me to teach.
Image at top: Fiona O’Carroll, Visage, digital photo, 8 x 10 in., 2017.