| Commercial
Photography
I entered the art arena as an accomplished photographer, having
integrated extensive photography and art education with fifteen
years of work experience as a successful commercial photographer.
I obtained a B.S. degree in Fashion Merchandising from Northern
Illinois University (1979), and shortly thereafter acquired
a B.A. degree in photography, with honors, from Columbia College
in Chicago, Illinois (1985). I became an established fashion
photographer during the mid-eighties to early nineties and
my photographs appeared in glamour and beauty publications
throughout the world.
AIDS Complications
In 1991, I was diagnosed with AIDS and in 1996 became legally
blind due to AIDS-related CMV retinitis. My limited visual
acuity (total blindness in my left eye, only peripheral vision
in my right eye) permits me to view the world as if it were
an impressionist painting. My life and remaining eyesight
were spared by lifesaving anti-retroviral medications. I currently
involve myself with the war on AIDS and volunteer as an AIDS
prevention educator. In 1998, I realized I could still photograph
when I agreed to photograph the successful 1999 Asian Pacific
Dreaming Calendar as a benefit for a local organization. With
the visual-assist devices I had obtained through the California
Department of Rehabilitation, I was able to accomplish photographing
the entire calendar. The completion of the calendar prompted
an inspirational article appearing in the Los Angeles Times
Orange County Edition (November 30, 1998). Through the California
Department of Rehabilitation I became associated with the
SEED Institute where I learned how to write a business plan.
I was able to utilize my completed business plan to obtain
over $25,000 in grants through DOR and SSA / PASS.
Art Photography
I have participated in many art exhibitions in the past six
years (1999 - 2005) which feature the exceptional talents
and abilities of visually impaired and blind artists. In April
1999 I exhibited with the Braille Institute at the Anaheim
Art Museum, Anaheim, CA. I have exhibited my photographs at
the Lighthouse for the Blind INSIGHTS Exhibition at San Francisco
City Hall. In October 2004 my work was featured at the Philadelphia
Museum of Art in the National Exhibits by Blind Artists (NEBA)
show. Also, in October 2004, I was featured in the American
Printing House for the Blind Art Exhibition. In July (2004),
I exhibited at the fifth annual Photo San Francisco show,
in a first-time exhibition of visually impaired and blind
photographers and again in January 2005 at Photo Los Angeles.
In February of (2004) I participated in an award-winning show,
"The View from Here," at the Los Angeles Art Core
Center. Previously, in October 2003, my work was featured
in "Share your Vision," an exhibition at the Artist
Space Gallery in New York. On January 26th - July 24th (2005)
my work was exhibited in "Blind at the Museum,"
Berkeley Art Museum and participated in a related lecture
(March 11 &12). My "Blind Vision" work was recently
purchased by the Houston Museum of Fine Art for their permanent
collection. I took 1st place in professional people photography
and 2nd place in multiple image photography at the 2005 Orange
County Fair. I will receive the "Outstanding Artist of
the Year Award" at this years INSIGHTS exhibition at
the San Francisco City Hall.
Community Involvement
I am very involved in community work; I served for many years
on the Orange County HIV Planning Council and am a member
of the AIDS Service Foundation's Client Advisory Committee.
I was the founder of SWAN-Surviving with AIDS Network- in
Chicago, and the Therapeutic Nutrients program at AIDS Service
Foundation, Irvine, CA. I also participate in -Positively
speaking- as an AIDS-prevention educator. I am the coordinator
of the "Shared Visions" exhibition at the Southern
California College of Optometry (September 2005), as well
as an active board member of Very Special Arts of California
(2002- Present)and spearheaded the VSA artists community which
will be promoting the work of disabled artists throughout
the state of California.
Advocacy
I am passionate about my art and advocacy. I continually strive
to focus on my ability rather than my disability. Recently,
I was accepted into the highly competitive MFA program at
California State University, Fullerton. My acceptance into
the graduate program provides me the opportunity to obtain
the graduate level education necessary to become an educator.
As an educator I can share my extensive technical knowledge
and work experience with students interested in photography
/ art. Working as an educator will enable me to utilize a
lifetime of experience and education and be self-sufficient
and self-supporting. |
