Artist Statement

When it comes to completing projects for school, I like start with brainstorming. I knew from the start of my service learning that I would have to complete a Multimedia Essay. Being able to photograph what I do for my service learning helped me organize my essay and presentation. I thought the best way to show my experience at Escuela Vieau was through photos of places and things that stood out to me. So each time I went to the school I would think of what I wanted to use and how I was going to represent it.
The first time I saw Escuela Vieau, it reminded me of my old elementary school. What was interesting to me was the way the building looked as I drove past it. The photo I took of the building was on the same angle of when I first saw it. I think it is interesting how it looks as though two separate buildings merge into one. I think it is a defining characteristic of the buildings appearance. I thought it was important to include what is outside the building as well as the inside.
Having spent the majority of my time in the school gymnasium, I thought it was important to try to show everything it has to offer to the kids. This is where I had most of my troubles taking pictures. There are so many small details that I wanted to include, such as all of the different paintings on the walls, but I did not know how to put it all together. What I ended up doing was photographing many different objects in the gym at different distances and camera angles. Later when I was putting my essay and presentation together, I was able to choose from a variety of different photographs to pick the one that fit best. I was very glad I did this, because my opportunities to go to Escuela Vieau became limited as spring break approached.
Being able to work with the kids in Gym and Fitness was a benefit to me. I always enjoyed playing sports in school, and I can tell that they enjoy the time they have also. What I discovered after a couple weeks of service learning is that these students do not have many opportunities to play sports. The community offers little in the way of public parks. Beside what Escuela Vieau has for recreational activities, only one other place has the space to play outdoor sports. Walker Square Park is the only public park within a mile of the school. Even though it is small, it does offer a resource for recreation. If it were not for the afterschool programs these kids would have little recreation, which is important for kids to have.