Connor Patelzick

Connor Patelzick is a Junior at FTHS. He focuses a lot of his time in the DMAD program doing photography and digital artwork.

“The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.” ~ Helmut Schmidt. Connor is always trying to expand the depth and effects of his project. In the two photos above, Connor was attempting to mix cultures. Taking a young French-American boy, throwing a Japanese (more modern, not traditional) Haori into the collide, and then trying out different poses, including the “Hand over heart” gesture of the beautiful American culture. The picture on the right won Connor an award at the 2022-23 VUSD District Wide Art Show, with many judges expressing an approval of simplicity but beauty in a letter to Connor.

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” ~ Albert Einstein. Other than mixing cultures, Connor has attempted, both failing and growing in styles of contrast and art effects. The picture on the left, was the best of many photo shoots of experimenting with contrast. Taking something like an inflatable buoy, and putting in it an area that defeats its entire purpose. The picture on the right, is of a red coat, but with an oil paint effect. Even with the shadows on his right shoulder causing a weird overlay, everything is an learning experience, and every defeat, is an opportunity.

This picture is of Devils Tower, Wyoming. One National Monument of many in the United States. With a rich history, leading back to the Native Americans.