Seeing things anew and writing them with light

Jackie Van Dyck
Sep 5, 2018 · 2 min read
When thinking about a place that makes me feel safe, a lamp pole with a blue light doesn’t come to mind right away. I think about home and my mom and things of that nature, but when I began to think quite literally about it, I realized these blue lights are always there to let me know that help is on the way if I need it.
I remember from my first campus tour that the St. Joan of Arc chapel was erected in the 15th century from France. I figured something from six centuries ago would be the oldest thing I could find.
The “newest” thing on my mind when I came to class today was how it had just down-poured. I walked to class avoiding the puddles. The puddles were fresh and probably one of the newest editions to campus when I was taking the photos, but they probably won’t stay the longest.
Left: When I am feeling lost, there is always a self-improvement book out there to help. There is also nothing like getting lost in a plot line, not putting the book down for three days, and coming up on the other end inspired. Right: It’s scary how easy it is to litter and also how easy it is to forget about what a little litter here and there adds up to.
I’m not quite sure yet how I will work my way into a career in styling or the fashion industry, but a college education is the first step (hopefully).
Left: I sensed that my new friend was just as uncomfortable behind the camera as I was taking the picture, but that didn’t come across in the photo. Right: This one was pretty easy for me to choose what to photograph — I’ve always thought Joan of Arc at sunset is the most beautiful part of campus!
Left: I trudged under Olin Engineering every morning two semesters ago, but never noticed how the railing reflects on the window at sunset. Right: There are bike racks everywhere on campus, and I even have my own bike, but I cannot say I have looked at any of them through their wheels.
Left: My sister is a freshman at UWM, so this year the Gold Line has a whole new meaning of home to me. Middle: It is hard not to get up close and personal with this flower. I love how it looks out of place and looks ready to burst. Right: McCormick is a time capsule of its own, it is a container carrying plenty of memories that are sure to be rediscovered through stories being told! My dad lived in McCormick a long, long, long time ago.
Left: There is a lot of contrast after a storm as things that belong somewhere else are often blown to unpredictable places, so I thought the nature textures vs. industrial textures were interesting Right: Something that I have been learning not only today but as of lately is that things can still be functioning while also being a work in progress.
I thought I was done taking photos, sat on a bench, paid attention to my surroundings and thought these wet chairs looked intriguing in the middle of this green space.
I love the way the light shines through the bicycle and the reflection of the tree sneaks in the corner. A true wild card!

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