You may be surprised to learn that the three most important things in an artist’s life are their teachers, their mentors, and their family. This year, my mentor, Toni, has given me three more things to be thankful for. I’ve been honored to have been mentored by her for over three years. She’s a brilliant and kind woman, and I’m so fortunate to have her in my life.
As a visual artist, Toni is always pushing me to be better. That means taking more risks, going farther in my field of study, and challenging myself to do things I might never have tried. She is one of my most important mentors and I love her. She has also provided me with an incredible collection of art supplies, and all of these things have made it possible for me to spend more time doing what I love.
I met Toni when I was in a photography class with her. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit her studio in her hometown of San Diego, California, and I’ve learned so much from her. She has a passion for photography, as well as for her studio. In fact, Toni was the first person I ever met who really believed that you should have a studio of your own because it gives you a place to focus and to work on your craft.
I think the best part of Toni’s studio is that it was where she decided to go to school. What do you know, Toni is a photographer! In fact, she is considered a pioneer in the field of photography because her studio was the first to focus on a student photographer. Her studio is called ‘School of Visual Arts’ because the school was founded by her so she could have classes on photography and the art of teaching.
I was always the class photographer at school of visual arts. I was always working on my own style of photography and it was the best part of it. I don’t think I ever had a bad day at school of visual arts other than the days I got caught taking photos outside my studio and I didn’t have many friends. Not too many.
One student is named after her. She took the art of being a photographer to a whole new level. I wonder what her name is now, if she ever gets famous.
The art of photography. I think I was the only person in school of visual arts to take photo after photo after photo after photo after photo after photo. I used to use a small camera that was always taking pictures of me as I was taking them, but I never had a camera that was really, really, really good. I always just gave up and just started buying a smaller camera. I would save up money and buy the right camera and learn how to use it.
In her senior year, Karen Leid gave up her life as a photographer and became an art teacher. She’s the one who taught me how to shoot with my Kodak Speedmatic. I still remember the first class I took with her. I was a complete beginner and she was constantly trying to make sure that I had a good picture.
In my opinion, Karen Leid is the most talented teacher I have ever had. She was also the first teacher I ever took for a class. She taught all of her students how to shoot with the Speedmatic, how to use the camera, and most importantly how to use the camera in a professional way.
Karen Leid is an incredible teacher and great instructor. She’s very well respected in the art department and her classes are regularly sought out by the public. What I haven’t seen is any mention of her work with the internet.
