Lea VanDenburgh's thesis combines photography, object-making and her work with the Cultural Diversity Players to re-evaluate the way our society deals with race.
By Alice Marre
May 18, 2001
Like most college freshmen, Lea VanDenburgh wasn't sure what path she wanted to follow in her studies.
"There are great opportunities here," said VanDenburgh, a Phoenix native. "Washington University has a great art school, and they are interested in putting art students through a true interdisciplinary program. I liked that idea, so I decided to give it a try."
Her first experience with the School of Art made her question whether she'd made the right choice.
Lea VanDenburgh's thesis combines photography, object-making and her work with the Cultural Diversity Players to re-evaluate the way our society deals with race. |
"First semester was really hard for me," she said. "I took 3-D design right off the bat, and it was incredibly difficult and discouraging. Second semester, though, I took 2-D and really found my niche. I was a horrible at drawing, but my professor (Belinda Lee) encouraged me to stick with it, and so I did."
Since those early trials, VanDenburgh excelled in the photography department and became involved in a broad array of campus activities.
Her biggest challenge has been juggling between campus activities, including being a residential adviser (RA).
"I became involved in lots of activities and got very into campus life in order to keep me connected," VanDenburgh said. "Being a good RA became as important to me as my schoolwork. It was very hard to balance everything, but also very rewarding."
One of VanDenburgh's favorite extracurricular activities has been working with Cultural Diversity Players, a peer group focused on diversity education. During her term as co-coordinator for the players, she worked closely with adviser Rachel Merrell, coordinator for multicultural student groups in the Office of Student Activities.
"Lea's enthusiasm for all she does is contagious," Merrell said. "She is one of the most organized, enthusiastic and dependable students I have worked with. She has won the respect of both peers and faculty."
One of VanDenburgh's favorite accomplishments came in the athletic realm.
"I'm very proud of the University's club volleyball team," she said. "I have been on the team for four years, and honestly, we're awesome. This year, with the help of some really dedicated players and coaches, we took fifth place in the national championship."
In her second semester junior year, VanDenburgh began a community service project at the Charless Home, a historic home for elderly women in south St. Louis. She also began working at the bookmaking studio at the University's West Campus.
"It's this hidden piece of perfection on campus," she said. "Any art student who finds the opportunity to work there is incredibly lucky."
She put her two projects together and made a book about the people at the Charless Home. This initiative gave her an opportunity to refine her personal philosophy on her art.
"My philosophy at the time was that you can't simply take a photo of someone," VanDenburgh said. "You have to know them and understand what's behind their eyes. The picture may be solid in composition or form, but for it to be really good it has to have the emotional spark between photographer and subject."
As she focused her coursework on photography her junior year, VanDenburgh began to develop her own philosophy and style.
"When I started school here, I only knew how to use one kind of camera, and I only knew how to print in black and white," she said. "After entering the photo major, I became comfortable with different camera formats and more involved and intrigued with color photography."
VanDenburgh spent much of her senior year refining her thesis, a photo construction that she has tentatively titled "Confronting White." It combines photography, object-making and her work with the Cultural Diversity Players to re-evaluate the way our society deals with race.
"Lea is an incredibly dedicated student with an outstanding work ethic," said Richard Krueger, assistant professor in photography who worked closely with VanDenburgh on her thesis. "She is a good listener and is very opinionated. She brings her point of view to the classroom for the benefit of all who are involved in a class."
After graduation, VanDenburgh plans to take time off from school to bring her goals into focus.
"Working with Rachel (Merrell) inspired me to work in higher education, possibly in the field of student activities," VanDenburgh said. "I really enjoyed the work I've done with student groups, and that may be something I'd like to pursue after graduation."
VanDenburgh also served on the senior week committee and with a team of students who assisted the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in interviewing applicants. Her involvement in these activities has given her a sense of closure.
"Interviewing was really fun," she said. "It's a nice way to feel like you still have a part in Washington University after you graduate."
| Medical News |
Washington People |
Calendar | Campus Watch |
Email Us! |
| Sports | WU Home Page |
Record Staff |
Front Page |