photographer – Flower City Arts Center

Body Autonomy and Femininity

What does it look like for a woman to have agency over her body? What does sexual sovereignty look and feel like in the bedroom and on the street? What sort of relationships evolve with self, soul, body and other when a woman stops seeing her body as a vessel of god’s will and a vessel of her own free thinking, powered by the divine creative principle?

When we begin to re-imagine the feminine in its entirety, and femininity as a powerful expression of sensuality and creation, a healing takes place within our minds, identities, and communities.

Throughout my residency, I have used the camera within my domicile and in the studio to catalog an ongoing inquiry of my relationship to sensuality, intimacy, sexuality, performance of femininity and expression of empowered feminine principles. I have worked with significant feminine archetypes, costume, lighting, set design and movement to navigate feelings of isolation, desire, morality, and internalized oppression whereas my body has been the subject of considerable collective sexual objectification throughout my life. As I reflect on my time at the Flower City Arts Center I recognize how much I continue to hold myself back in expressing my body, and my work, as my own. Too often, I seek external permission to be transgressive as a means of cultural transformation.

I recognize I am taking part in the cultural changes currently underway. Yet, I am still finding my voice, learning how to amplify it in an ocean of wisdom that continues to build momentum against systemic oppression of the feminine, nature and a queer, inclusive future. This is to say there is work to do, and I am here to do it. My mission at this moment is to come into more clarity, synthesis, and efficacy in implementing my vision, my philosophy and my dharma in the world. I am here to be a leader, a cultural change agent, and it is my commitment to be very good at it.

Myths of the Sacred Wound opens Saturday, April 6th-27th. Opening Reception from 5-8pm Saturday, April 6th. Live Performance at 7:22 pm.

Intern Farewell: DesRee Taylor

Photo of me working on images for the website

It’s hard to believe the end of August is almost here and that my time at Flower City Arts Center is almost over. Reflecting on my time here, I have learned so much and had many great experiences. While I was here I kept a log of what I did everyday, and looking at it now there are a few projects and experiences that really stand out to me.

Photo of the Images I hung by the film drying station

One of my favorite projects of the entire summer was one of the first things I did, and that was reorganizing and archiving the class files. While that may sound painfully boring to many, I really enjoyed it and it was an important experience for me as a museum studies student as I think it helped me realize what type of work I’d like to do in the future. The other experience that stood out to me was being able to join the Studio Photography for Teens class on their field trip to the George Eastman Museum. I had the opportunity to meet David Levinthal and hear him speak about his own work as well as his process. I was also able to work with some of the artists in residence here and be present on the Flower City Arts Center’s social media. One experience that combined these things was when I was able to be a part of the live Instagram interview with AIR Megan May. Of course, these were not the only experiences that left an impression on me; everything I did here taught me something.

Photo I took during the field trip to the George Eastman Museum

Without Flower City Arts Center and the amazing staff here, I would not have had any of these experiences or opportunities and I am so grateful for the time that I have spent here. From the youth program, to the artist in residency program, to the internship program, and everything else this center has to offer, Flower City Arts Center is a unique part of the Rochester community and I am thankful that I was able to be a part of it for these past three months. I value the time that I have spent here so much, and I hope that my departure isn’t a “goodbye” and is more of a “see ya later”.

Photo of me with AIR Megan May after her live Instagram interview

A Day at the Museum

I had the opportunity to tag along with the Studio Photography for Teens class on their trip to the George Eastman Museum and document the experience. At the Museum we all met David Levinthal who gave us a tour of the exhibition of his work, David Levinthal: War, Myth, Desire. As he walked us though the exhibition Levinthal explained how he began taking photographs of toys and where the inspiration for many of his photos came from. He talked about his love for history and how it has influenced so much of his work over the years, and how pure experimentation and curiosity has affected his work as well.

Levinthal stated that problem solving is a very important part of this work. In fact, he said that was one of the main reasons he began to take photos of toys to begin with. He explained that early on he didn’t like to shoot in a studio and the toy dioramas allowed him to shoot almost anywhere and use simple lighting techniques as opposed to large studio lights.

At one point in the exhibition we saw an example of a diorama he had used. We got to see first hand the scale of the sets he was working with as he explained where he got his materials from, and how he composed many of his dioramas. He also showed us the notes and small stick figure drawings that he makes when planing out a diorama. He stated that he often has an image in his head and used this method to create it.

After Levinthal had walked us though the exhibition and explained his process and the thought behind much of his work, the students had a few moments to roam and take everything in for themselves. We then returned to Flower City Arts Center, where the students then had the opportunity to show Levinthal some of their own work. He helped them with their dioramas and he gave them some tips on how to get them to perform the way they want, as well as feedback on their photos. Then he stayed and talked with the students about their work and their interest in photography until it was time for the students to clean up for the day.

Over the next couple of days the students continued to work and create their own photos in the style of David Levinthal. Not only did the students take digital photos of their dioramas but they had the opportunity to use a Fujifilm Instax Wide instant film camera. After compiling so many great images the students crated an online exhibition of their own work.

Get to Know Your Instructor: Jeremy Pinsonneault

Jeremy Pinsonneault is an instructor in the Photography and Digital Arts Department as well as an artist in residence in the Printmaking and Book Arts Department. Some of the classes Jeremy teaches in the Photography and Digital Arts Department are Intro to Illustrator, an advanced Illustrator Projects Workshop, Intro to Photoshop, and Wild About WordPress.

What is your favorite subject matter to cover in class?

I enjoy covering different processes that have the best return on time invested. Everything I teach in the photo department is digitally based. Because of this, it’s good to be cognizant of how much time is being spent in front of a screen. My favorite lessons are where a new tool is introduced that automates things you would otherwise need to do manually. Learn enough of these and you’ll find that you’re spending less and less time tied to a machine and more time enjoying the real world.

How long have you been an instructor here?

It’s going to be one year in August and I’m very excited about continuing.

What do you hope students take away from your class?

There are a few common ideas that I try to emphasize in all the classes that I teach. A lot of them focus on productivity, the general takeaway that you don’t have to spend your life in front of a monitor.
In teaching, I’ve noticed that a lot of my students have tried to learn the program before but have been unsuccessful. In my class I tell my students to ask me how to do something as many times as they like until it’s finally explained in a way that resonates with them. This is a community arts center and everyone has found us and is taking the class for different purposes. There’s nothing more rewarding than having someone exclaim in class “I finally get it!”

What is your favorite thing about Flower City Arts Center?

The supportive community and the different disciplines that are offered here. Being here you are able to interact with such a variety of people from all walks and stages of life. There is always something to be learned or a connection to make. There are people who have their work in museums and are so very friendly with imparting advice and knowledge.

Do you have a catchphrase? If not, what would you make your catchphrase if you had to choose one? Why?

“You Got This” – I have come to find that when it comes to learning art people are apprehensive because they are very unsure where to start. They look at working artists who are very prolific and are immediately cast in doubt in regards to their own abilities. Some of the most interesting solutions and art I have seen has come from those who have a different perspective precisely because they haven’t been an artist for all their life. With sincere encouragement it’s truly inspiring to see people becoming more confident in themselves and their artistic voice.

If you had a superpower what would it be?

- The superpower I’d love to have: The ability to understand and speak all languages, including the tongues of the animal kingdom!
- The superpower that I’m more realistically likely to have: Having two incredibly useful points of information on any topic that exists.

If you’d like to learn more about Jeremy, or see more of his work check out his online portfolio and photography website.

Get to Know Your Instructor: Christopher Cecere

Chris Cecere is the Sports Photography instructor here in the Photography and Digital Arts Department.

April 27, 2017; Pittsford, NY; USA; Andrew Russell (9) and Frank Imburgia (5) during a Section V high school lacrosse game between the Pittsford Panthers and the Victor Blue Devils at Pittsford Sutherland H.S. Victor won 6-3. Photo: Christopher Cecere/Inside Lacrosse

How long have you been an instructor here?

Six years

What would you consider to be the most important thing for students to do in order to reach their full potential in your class?

Understanding that one can still cover sporting events, even if you do not have expensive equipment. Keeping this in mind allows the student to learn skills to compensate for not having the latest and greatest camera or lens.

July 26, 2014; Rochester, NY, United States; Blake Davis (10) and Doug Bernier (17) during Rochester Red Wings vs. Indianapolis Indians at Frontier Field. Photo: Christopher Cecere

What do you hope students take away from your class?

Trying something new from the class or outside of their normal positioning/angles on the sidelines will give them a new perspective on how they plan to shoot a game.

June 13, 2015; Rochester, NY; USA; during Louisville City FC vs. Rochester Rhinos at Sahlen’s Stadium. Photo: Christopher Cecere

What are some benefits of taking a summer session class?

By taking a summer class, we are not limited to indoor events. Also baseball and soccer are the key sports during the summer.

Do you have a catchphrase? If not, what would you make it? Why?

I like to say “cool story bro” a lot. Usually as a joke when someone won’t stop talking.

March 08, 2013; Rochester, NY; USA; Luke Adam (72) during Rochester Americans v Abbotsford Heat at Blue Cross Arena. Photo: Christopher Cecere

If you had a superpower what would it be?

I don’t think you could beat the ability to fly. Never having to deal with the airport shenanigans again would be fantastic.

Intern Introduction: DesRee Taylor

Hello all! I am an intern here in the Photography & Digital Arts department for the summer. I am a student at SUNY Brockport and I’ll be starting my junior year in the fall. I am a double major in art, with a concentration in photography, and anthropology; I also have a minor in museum studies and public history. In my personal work I am very inspired by the supernatural and witchcraft. I’m a dedicated student, but I also have two jobs and a few hobbies like reading tarot cards, watching the bachelor and growing plants.

As for what I’ll be up to here and my goals as an intern, there are quite a few things I’m looking forward to. Some of the projects I am working on include being present here on the blog, taking photos to help update the website, helping with event publicity, archiving and organizing files, and odd projects around the building. As an intern there are many things I look forward to learning, of course experience is important, but a museum studies student, there are many things that I can learn by being here that I could not else where. Arts centers are great and they play unique roles in their communities.

I’ve had a great time being here so far and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store!

AIR Introduction: Arleen Thaler

I’d like to introduce myself to the Genesee Center for the Arts and Education community, my name is Arleen Thaler and I am the new Photography Resident. For those of you who do not know me, I am a Rochester, NY based socially engaged photojournalist. As I begin my second year as the NW Team Leader for Flower City AmeriCorps, I will be sharing the work I do as a foot soldier helping to raise an awareness of poverty, homelessness, addiction and those issues our community struggles to find answers to. Through my lens, I use photography as a conduit to engage the community and elicit conversations that will hopefully create solutions. I look forward to working with friends new and old while sharing my passion, my vision and my heart work.