The goal of this assignment was to show the working class of Hunter College. Often times, I hear people complaining about the college and campus. I often agree with these complaints but I also think that there should be a more optimistic view of the school. It is amazing that so many students are able to find an education here in Manhattan, for such a great price. Even more extraordinary is that this place manages to run relatively smoothly with so many people using the facilities. This photo assignment was meant to show the people that help run Hunter. This school would not function without them and they are often taken for granted. From the security guards, to the people who stock the soda machines, these people keep the school together. These are hard working people and should be appreciated more, and not just passed by without notice. 

Artist Statement

Art is interesting to me because it can bring together many different subjects into a unified form. I have a strong curiosity for this world, and life in general. Art it seems, tries to make sense of all these complexities and topics that I am drawn to.

I have always been attracted to film and literature, although until recently, never considered pursuing the actual craft of them. Since my first semester in college I have taken a class from almost every department at Hunter. I have a major in economics, but I am interested in all subjects, from statistics and logic, to poetry and history. Partially, this dabbling is due to my restlessness and lack of focus, but mainly it is because of my strong curiosity about the world. All subjects are related in some way, and art is a mechanism to relate them all together. 

Writing is the medium I have begun to work with and wish to pursue further. Literature and film are what I am particularly drawn to. I have less interest for more popular culture forms of art such as television, web sites and blogging, or games. I am frustrated with the modern culture we live in today. People today have become so brain dead, superficial, fat, weak, and lazy, and I blame much of this on our modern media, specifically television. 

I have a greater appreciation for more classic forms of art, such as the novel, short story, and film. I will not claim that I am above certain blockbuster, mass produced films on occasion, but generally I prefer more independent character inspired films. Some of my favorite films are character studies, such as Taxi Driver, Sling Blade, Fight Club, etc.

Characters are what make good literature and film. Most of what I have written so far in creative writing and screenwriting classes has been based on characters and less focused on action, although this is often a byproduct of a good character. Most action is a reflection of a character’s personality. Even though I am always searching for answers and more understanding, characters and their simplicity or complexity are a reflection of the world. They are a by-product of their surroundings and they are the machine that drives a good story.