Shadow

By Stacey Olenoski

he bright sun created long, vibrant shadows which were manipulated by the sharp angles of the tennis court. Using a digital camera, a fellow student and I explored and investigated the shadows' capabilities. Had I been using a regular camera and film I would have thought too much, but the digital camera allowed me the freedom to explore and play minus the worries of the developing lab.

I took three distinct pictures of my shadow and incorporated them into one. Each image represents a different perspective into my personality: constrained, reaching but at the same time sliding out of control, and then a lighter, sillier side. The colors also give insight into different aspects of me. Initially, I didn't want black: I thought the cobalt blue gave it a vibrant, happy tone. But the bound hands had to be completely dark and black to represent a more negative side. The white box is also important to the confinement of the bound hands. I turned "Shadow" into a painting, using layers of paint to create texture.

I am very critical about my work; I always want to go back and do more. However, the shadow images are something that I really enjoy — I would even call this piece finished — though my exploration of shadows is an ongoing project that will never end.

Stacy Olenoski received a B.A. in integrative arts in May 2000 from the College of Arts and Architecture. She was assisted by fellow photography student Matthew Petro. Her project adviser was Gerald Lang, professor of photography, College of Arts and Architecture, 210 Patterson Bldg., University Park ,PA 16802 814-865-0444; gxl7@psu.edu. The Digital Photography Studio is supported by Apple Computer,Calumet Photographic, Eastman Kodak, Megavision, M&T Bank, Joe and Sue Paterno, Photographic Supply, and the Rockwell Foundation.