Photography Hour

Angelika So, now I finally want to contribute to the newsletter again. I can't offer anything as exciting as skydiving (I'm not crazy), but as Michael already mentioned, I've snagged the "monitor" job in the darkroom. On Thursday (from 12 to 6 PM), I had my first shift, and it went quite well since the beginning of the semester is usually not that busy. This is great for getting accustomed.

In the darkroom, you not only have to assist people with advice and support but also prepare the necessary chemicals, wash the developed photos to remove any remaining chemicals, dry them afterwards, and so on. I'm already sure that I will fully take advantage of the opportunity to use the darkroom anytime I want, as I've enrolled in two photography courses again this semester. One course is a critique class where, as the name suggests, the photos of the participants are critically examined. Everyone chooses a project and works on compiling a portfolio.

The course instructor is Judy Dater, who is already relatively well-known, not only because she has had numerous exhibitions at various museums but also because she has met and photographed celebrities like Ansel Adams and Imogen Cunningham. For those familiar with the photography scene, it's worth mentioning that there is a picture with a nude model posing with Imogen Cunningham in her later years, which Judy Dater photographed and is among her most famous works. Oh my, you meet interesting people at Berkeley Extension. Well, the courses do come with a hefty price tag.

My second course is titled "The Self-Portrait as Autobiography." Since it doesn't start for another two weeks, I can't say much about it yet, but one thing is certain: there will be a flurry of self-portraits in the near future. Michael will be pleased. Also, my three exhibition photos (see the last newsletter) are already hanging in the halls of the University of Berkeley Extension. The exhibits are the result of my "Fine Printing" course. Each participant is allowed to show three of their photos.

On Wednesday, the exhibition will be officially opened, with wine and snacks, which the artists themselves have to provide (the road to fame is tough). To be fair, it should be noted that "vernissage" might be a bit of an overstatement, as usually friends, well-meaning acquaintances, and sometimes a few teachers attend, so no critics or other prominent figures yet. But at least it's a start, and the pictures are hanging in a public building, accessible to everyone. But that's not all. Since the University of Berkeley Extension has just extensively renovated a part of a building in San Francisco, and Americans love to celebrate any occasion, the completion of the renovation will be celebrated with much fanfare on October 14th, with the broad public and some important personalities in attendance.

For this reason, advanced students (including myself) were asked to submit up to five of their own artworks (not just photos) for a chance to adorn the walls at the opening ceremony. Naturally, I didn't hesitate and will seize the opportunity, although the requirements here are a bit tougher. It's not certain how many of my submitted pictures will make it, as a small jury selects them. We'll see how it goes!