BACKGROUND
During the winter term of my master’s program, myself and a team of eight traveled to Cuba to complete a week-long project for the public good. We had the opportunity to observe the work of a well-known artist located in Matanzas, a beautiful and historical province.
My Role: Lead Photographer
My Contributions: Capturing photos on site, photo post processing and editing and creating digital illustrations for client’s website
Technologies: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator
Research
I was fortunate to see how much devotion Jesús Alberto Mederos has for his city, his artistry and the dedication he has for helping others. I worked with my teammates to bring his mission to a digital space. While our time in Matanzas, I witnessed three projects aligning with his mission to reform, reconnect, and heal through art therapy.
The reformation project aimed to offer a safe space for young adults struggling with behavioral issues to find alternative methods for directing their energy. With the instruction of Mederos, the young adults in this group were encouraged self-expression through canvas and pottery painting. Through the healing project, young children suffering from debilitating illness were given the opportunity to use their imagination through mask painting, canvas, and finger painting. Mederos taught children to exercise their creativity and use art as an outlet for healing and bring a sense of belonging. Lastly, the reconnection project helped the elderly with dementia connect with their surroundings by creating art with inspiring messages and landscapes. Mederos inspired participants to illustrate the things they hold dear to their heart.
View some of my work captured on Canon 7D Mark II. To see more, visit visionaryhe.art.
