Vanessa Lawrence
Mother, Student, Fiancée, Sister, Daughter, Friend
Bits of me.
Originally from South Korea, I was adopted into a Caucasian family. I was raised with two older brothers, however, I was the only one adopted. I lived in Colorado Springs, CO my entire life up until 8 years ago when I decided to move to P.A.
I grew up in a middle class family where both my parents worked non-stop in order to give my brothers and I the lives that we had. I feel that class would be one of my identity markers; I don’t think it defines me as a whole, but it certainly has everything to do with how I was raised. Living in the suburbs and going to predominately white school’s my entire life (elementary-High school) definitely made me aware of issues that were both upfront and avoided. Ethnicity being another identity marker was something that I had to accept. I used to wish I was Caucasian for years growing up because I had experienced being the butt of jokes, and had been ostracized for being Korean.Now, at 28 I have certainly accepted who I am, and am proud to be me.
On a positive note one of the advantages of being middle class where I lived was being able to go to top school districts. Looking back, I was truly lucky to have had the educational experience that I did growing up. One of which stuck with me, the creative arts. From as far back as I can remember art was encouraged in every grade level, whether it be dancing, singing, acting, or creating, they were still as important as say sports. So for me personally, I stuck with what I enjoyed and something I advocate from this day forward. Today I am at Millersville studying to get my B.A. degree in Art. Photography and printmaking have remained my most favorite mediums. I also have the pleasure of being a mother to an oh so creative, smart little girl, who is truly the light in our lives. I am looking forward to my last few semesters here at Millersville.
Into the mountains
The candid photo I took of my daughter Lia when she saw mountains for the first time in Buena Vista, CO.
Captin Gus
In April 2013, "Captain Gus" won Honorable Mention at the Millersville University Juried Student Art Exhibition. A photograph of a local Lancaster eatery, was chosen by a panel of judges, and then selected by the Millersville Juror Scott Cantrell.
Roots
Relief printmaking