Art

I’ve been an arts model for a few years, but started costume design just a year or two ago. I’m fascinated by the unconventional – designers like Alexander McQueen really inspire me for that reason, but working and studying a field like law enforcement (I’m a criminology major) leaves little room for creativity. Discovering a way to collaborate with visual artists and photographers through photoshoots like these has become a great outlet to explore the possibilities of the unusual and creative!

Rachel Zader is a fashion model, artist, fraud examiner, and demon slayer. She lives in Oakland.

I live in Leland, Michigan. I drive past a little sign on the side of the road indicating the location of the 45th parallel every day on my way to work. Leland is a small town, but its natural beauty attracts a lot of tourists during the summer months. I think it’s important to capture the unseen phenomena of my hometown during the less populated seasons and, by extension, the entirety of the 45th parallel — not just its more well-known locations. The parallel passes more notably through cities in France and Italy, but also through Croatia, Russia, Mongolia, Canada, and other, more obscure cities. This image is the view from my house. Sure, you can see Lake Michigan like anyone in Leland can, but the unique perspective in this photo belongs only to those standing on my porch. There is a lot more to Leland — and the parallel — than just what initially meets the eye.

Kate is a sophomore at The University of Michigan, originally from Leland, MI.  She is studying International Studies with a concentration in Comparative Culture and Identity.  In her free time, she enjoys photography, poetry, coffee, and bonfires.

The Vision is a piece that details one’s travel into the inner soul. A plethora of the mind’s inner environment may be obscure, bemusing, unsettling, magnificent or incomprehensible when journeying far enough, such is the case with the small bird located in the lower right hand corner of the painting.  But when we dig far enough and allow our minds to be vulnerable to new possibilities and opportunities, albeit some uncomfortable findings along the way, a bridge of understanding will form. That is the awakening of an emerging imagination. The painting depicts the obstacles we face when we try to discover what lies underneath until a link carries the mind to open up to the refulgent treasures within. The vision of self.

A native philosopher of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Daniel Marquez is a creative entrepreneur who’s thoughts and ideas carry him throughout the wonders of living wholesomely. A writer, reader and artist, his journey can be followed on demieuj.blogspot.com.

The photo was taken during my first trip to this disputed valley of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. The place has been in constant turmoil; militarily, politically and economically; with the only respite being its natural beauty and the warm hearted citizens. Kashmir has been termed as  ‘Paradise on Earth’ but many people fear to visit this place. When I traveled there, I noticed that the locals welcome everyone with open arms and are excited to show their home to us. It is always hard to comprehend that such a beautiful place, where nature radiates peace is marred by violence. My photos have always been inspired by Nature and I feel that it has the power to make humans realise the futility of power and war, as well as result in creation of their best works. It has been my hope that one day people realise this and give the valley what it deserves, serenity and happiness.

Aarshi Joshi is from Delhi, India. She is currently pursuing History Honours from Delhi University and hopes to go on a backpacking trip around the world, along with her camera. Her interests lie in anthropology, tennis, supporting feminism and children’s rights.