Artist Statements
I am 48 years old, AA, disabled, single female; who is both an educated mason that is both poor and homeless. I am also a non-veteran, non-gang member, without children. Due to gentrification, I was evicted out of public housing after a quarter of a century. All praises and thanks to Father God and Catholic Charities. I am moving from being barred from low-income housing to the bus and park bench to a new home of my own. Step by step.
Michelle T.Photography is a recording of expression. My expression is freelance; the ability to share a message, my message is peace and excitement.
Robert N.Random photography of the city. From the early morning not as bitterly cold outside as it feels.
Ruby T.Photography is like still poetry, looking through the lens of a camera, I try to find something that speaks directly to me. I love to escape. Photography is a perfect way to escape. When I am taking pictures, I go to a faraway place where I can become one with the camera, and nothing else matters. I love my photography class. I have learned how to hold a camera correctly, at the same time choose a view that speaks directly to me.
Eva M.The photos give us good idea of the future of Chicago: buildings and landscapes that are beautiful. The photo project inspires me to look for pictures I want to take.
Donnell W.The sky is always open for us. Sometimes low, sometimes high, like our goals, short or long. Keep trying; keep working, eventually we will be there. Photography lets me share with others. We can see the different points of view, even seeing the same objects; like our lives.
Manami M.I was so vain at one time until I finally opened my eyes in this photo and seen the world as a whole, our people and places and art come together in our religion as one.
Andrea C.Where do we go when we go. Do you know yet life goes on. Life at time could feel like a cage. Most people have no idea it exist be it up top or at the bottom, we are all seeking of some sort of freedom.
Shawn B.This is my seventh year in the photo show and I love to take pictures of trees and plants outdoors. I like how the shadows fall on the shot. My best picture is the tree with sunshine just on the front.
Jerry T.“Great are the works of the LORD ; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are His deeds, and His righteousness endures forever.” Psalm 111:2-3 I am always pondering the beauty of this world. The unique symmetry of each variety of flower, shrub or tree is breathtaking. I choose the Daffodils, the Azaleas, the exotic Scilla Peruviana, and the leaf of the Papaya tree to display in this year’s photo show. I hope that you enjoy these selections.
Marie H.Showing my pictures of outdoor nature and city landscape.
Donnell W.When the light came this morning of this day God created a great view, it formed out to be a great picture, and that leaves a great memory in your mind.
Mills L.I started photography as a hobby and it turned into a passion. I find it fascinating to shoot a sunrise and a sunset. Noticing how the colors change as the sun rises in the early morning is like God creating his art. Nothing to me can replace photographing God at this best artwork.
Tommy L.As the saying goes: A picture is worth a thousand words. In other words, pictures can tell a story. Good or bad, happiness, sadness, whatever the story might be; a visual of what you are trying to say could help the story be told better.
Christopher D.Photography relaxes me. It makes me feel proud to be a Chicagoan. Our city is so beautiful – we should never take for granted. We are blessed to live here.
Michael W.When I am taking pictures of different things, I try to do the best I can. However, I take my time when I am shooting the pictures and find buildings and nice areas like parks and other clean places and community. Nevertheless, this is my first time being a photographer and it is very interesting and challenging. Therefore, I hope you all enjoy looking at my beautiful pictures. Thank you very much. P.S. I did my best.
Nathaniel G.My photo vision scenes from Chicago lakefront. With the use of shade, shadows, shots were taken on angles using lines to draw the viewer into the photo scene
Herman H.I have been taking pictures for eight years and I am still in the pictures. I like being in it because it helps me calm down and be happy. I like taking pictures outside a lot, hot, snow, that what I like doing. It shows what best comes out of me.
Octavia W.Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities I have even seen in the world. At night it is magnificent and serene and it is always the talk of the town. My building photos make me think of clear blue skies. Buildings have been here for many years and they are as beautiful as they are landmarks. As I keep photographing I keep finding new and beautiful places the city has to offer.
Valerie B.This is my second year doing the After Supper Visions show. I really enjoyed it. Last year I took the picture of the rose during the Christmas dinner at Catholic Charities, a reflection of another building hitting the garage made an interesting light show and a mirror image on glass with dancing rain on a stormy night.
Tracey B.I have had done the photo project before and I have had fun doing it. My pictures tell you what I love and what I am. I love nature and art and animals, wildlife as well.
Aisa O.The reason why I am writing this note is because I love to take nice pictures of buildings, cars, windows, animals and others too. Now, the reason why I take pictures is because it makes me feel good about myself. I need something positive to do. Photography is a nice thing to do, indoors and outdoors. Just holding a camera makes me feel special.
Sandra W.The Catholic Charities is where I spend time doing things I like to do like taking photos of Chicago and yoga and whatever they have but most of all is taking photography.
Maurice C.Taking pictures makes me feel cool and warm. I like photography. I am so grateful for the scenery that cameras give me. God gave me some vision because I am legally blind but still can see the beauty of life.
James F.My name is Ms. Sandra, I am pleased to see and continue my insight of the 2018 photos. Please enjoy.
Sandra J.I try to take photos that show beauty in its many forms. I have named my photos (for fun): A) High on LSD B) Beau Bridges C) Monet Tree D) Rhapsody in Blue
Barry G.Children of a lesser God. Light a candle in the window until the morning light. Take hold of your dreams- hold them tight. The future of this world is in your hands. Carl Anderson 1991 (Judas-Jesus Christ Superstar).
Vernon J.I love the “poetry” photo. When I was 14 years old Gwendolyn Brooks visited my High School and read her poems. It was my first introduction to a Poet Laureate. Ms. Brooks explained to my class the definition of a Poet Laureate. Ms. Brooks literally spoke these words “We Real Cool.” After Supper Visions teachers have inspired me. They are the reason why I took these photos.
Kim J.My friend and I go out to take pictures as a team and enjoy and compare.
Roberta J.I was born and raised in Chicago. A city of big buildings and beautiful people. When I take pictures this is my way to express myself, using the camera. I love it.
Robert N.The heavens are higher than the earth symbolized by the globe, it is even higher than the Willis tower aka Sears Tower. It is higher than the flags along with the Willis Tower, and the new Ferris Wheel featured at Navy Pier. To err may be human, but heaven is always divine, and such are we.
Cheryl H.Had a good time doing it. Hope you love them as much as I do.
Paul S.People will forget what you said…But will never forget how you made this feel. A Adapted from Maya Angelou
Deborah A.I am so proud and humbled to be in this show. I have for so long been called a loser, good for nothing, never amount to anything person. Today I know I am none of those negative things. Having been clean and sober for seven years I can truly say I feel a part of something good. I see myself as being a photographer and an artist. I’m grateful for this social opportunity. I thank God for everyone involved in making this event successful.
Andy A.A very short summary about me. I am originally from Louisville, Kentucky. I have been living all over American streets since I was 16 years old. I have raised myself, so, trust Christianity and fairytales are my childhood. It does not exist, so I have been anti- social most of my life. It may be possible for me to learn how to become more sociable and a trade for a career in photography.
Shawn S.Photography is an art and I pray that my pictures are a good example of my talent as an artist.
Gerald G.The view from the river walk to the lake emphasizes the beauty of our city.
Valerie B.At a young age I was given a camera, and from there I just fell in love with photography, no schooling. Just a passion.
Ruben G.I am so glad that there is that thing called After Supper Visions. I look forward to the show each year. It give me another reason to be a happy person. To see things and record them is magic. I am grateful that we can share this wonderful moment.
Denis D.Up a Creek Be Still The Road to Oz Dr. Who
Barry G.This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.