The emphasis on photographic studies as a Plan at Marlboro is fine art in nature, although photography is ideally suited for interdisciplinary work in all fields of study. The course structure emphasizes the study of the medium as a form of personal vision and visual communication. The courses accommodate individual needs and interest and are technically, critically, and historically relevant to contemporary culture. Students explore seeing artistically, production of imagery and the possibilities for presentation most appropriate to content. Courses throughout the liberal arts tradition assist students in exploration and development of personal vision.
Photography provides us with a means to explore the world and our existence within it. John continually strives to heighten his sensitivity in life, and when he photographs, he chooses subject matter that is important to him. The photographs themselves, as with the process of seeing, must strike him on a personal level in order for him to appreciate an image. As Frederick Sommer liked to say, “It is not subject matter, but a subject that matters.”
John has always attempted to find a balance between aesthetic and communicative concerns. At times, he feels like a modernist in a postmodern world. When he considers himself a postmodernist, it’s due to his concern with the social and political implications an image presents from the conception through creation and on to the presentation’s final expression. When he considers himself a modernist, it’s because he is more invested in the metaphorical interpretations in each step of the process and the image that is ultimately created, and he is always searching to be moved by the image’s aesthetic beauty.
Starting Points (Basic and Introductory Courses)
Introduction to Black & White Photography (ART9)
This course will be an introduction to black and white photography with an emphasis given both to visual communication and technique. Students will learn basic procedures of camera operation, film exposure and development and enlargement of the image, while exploring the visual and expressive qualities of the medium. (Introductory)
Intermediate Photography (ART358)
The intermediate photography class is intended to give more technical and visual breadth to the students understanding of the medium of photography. Students will work on three differing photographic genres over a five week period each. The class will explore the medium and its possibilities as an art form. We will discuss issues and methodologies concerning contemporary photographers. (Intermediate)
Constructed Realities (ART701)
The histories of photography and, more recently, sculpture / installation art, are rife with examples of artists who are not content to simply observe reality as it exists but who find it necessary to construct their own. This course will focus on the conjunction of the disciplines of sculpture and photography and provide a venue for students to make work that reflects their own constructed reality. The end product of the work of this class will sometimes be photographs and sculpture at times independent of each other. Both skills will be important. Objects and spaces will be transformed and become the subject of new observations, new work. Students will be encouraged to work collaboratively.
More Than One: Photography & The Visual Book (ART844)
In this course we will consider the various ways images work together in the book format. The word book will be thought of in its broadest terms. Imagery may relate together formally, sequentially or in narrative form, and with or without text. We will research the use of photographic imagery in books from the documentary genre to individual artist books and more. Everyone will be creating his or her own books throughout the course.
The Photographic Image and Word (ART886)
This course is an exploration of image and text relationships in nonfiction and fictional story telling. This intermediate/advanced level course will predominately be taught through digital processes. Class time will be divided between visiting professors and artists, reviewing historical and contemporary works, critiquing of individual and group projects, as well as technical demonstrations. It is likely the group projects will have a service-learning component.
Photographic Methods (ART669)
Successful photography is a fine balance of technical skills with the aesthetic and visual expression. This course will be an exploration of more advanced photographic controls. Throughout the term we will explore various photographic methods through demonstrations and hands on lab work. Technical procedures covered will include camera techniques including view camera use, The Zone System, lighting controls and darkroom processes including liquid light, enlarged negatives, Cyanotypes, Platinum Prints, as well as creation of digital negatives and prints. While experimenting with the various processes we will also view historical photographic works and discuss the artist’s choice of methodology in relationship to the intended visual communication.
Documentary Photography (ART686)
Throughout the history of photography many practitioners have used the medium as a tool for social commentary. Traditionally this has largely been done through the genre of documentary work. We will view historical and contemporary documentary projects, while reading various writings exploring the process, ethics, and value of documentary photography.
Advanced Photography Critique (ART514)
This course will explore the medium of photography and its possibilities as an art form and visual language. We will discuss issues and methods that concern the contemporary photographer. There will be assigned readings from critical theoretical writings. Students will choose one thematic project to photograph. Technical demonstrations will be given as necessary; however, the majority of class time will present a forum for critiques and slide presentations. (Advanced)
Photography Plan Seminar (ART574)
This is a seminar for all students on Plan in photography.
Documentary Photography vs. The Photography of Invention (ART554)
This course will review photography’s use as social commentary through conflicting approaches of documentary, photo as evidence, and constructed realities, a more post-modernist approach. Students will be expected to create personal work from both genres while viewing imagery from photo history and theoretical writings. Traditional photographic processes will be utilized as well as digital imaging.