2023 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Camryn Smith

Describe the work you submitted for merits

Notes on Prayer, is a diptych photographic piece reflecting on growing up with prayer surrounding me.  
'Tocka' is another photographic piece that I made to reflect the feeling of 'tocka,' there is no direct English translation as to what tocka is, it is an amalgamation of melancholy, dullness, and longing usually for no particular reason.

Opaque Window is a series of images inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, I aimed to convey a sense of isolation and introspection that echoes the themes found in Hopper's work.

How to Remember Forgetting is a photobook of hand-written letters paired with their writer's indistinct portrait. The letters you see have been amassed throughout my life, holding them dear to me long after the memory of the relationship has faded.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I am a transfer student, initially, I was attending a community college nearby and majoring in fashion. At one point throughout my time at the community college, I realized all I thought about when it came to fashion was taking fashion-focused photography, so I found myself at MCAD to pursue a more art-based approach to photography.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

For senior year I hope to finish out strong and take the amazing relationships I have formed and the knowledge I have gained while studying at this institution and apply it to the 'real world.'

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

College life has been an interesting journey, people at this age are all changing and moving so rapidly, that's something that I have found so compelling in that you never know if you or someone else is going to stick around and if so, for how long. This is how I think I've met so many amazing people in such a short span of time.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

My favorite piece I have made hasn't been displayed to the public yet; only a few close friends! I feel like my favorite piece is usually whatever I'm making currently.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

Lately, I've been obsessed with trying to perfect a sweet sticky rice recipe that I can't seem to figure out... (if you have any tips let me know.)

I've also been re-reading some of Albert Camus's books. Last time I read them was a few years ago and I like to see if my interpretation/perspective has changed! I also annotate in my books (bad, I know) so I have a fun time reading exactly what I thought of a passage many years ago.