The Sophian

Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Arts

Name: Matthea Daughtry '09
Major: studio art, photography and sculpture concentration
House: Chapin
Hometown: Brunswick, Maine

Tell us a little about your work.
My major focus is photo. I do mostly studio work, a lot of portraiture. Next semester I'm working with the theater department; we're going to do some surrealistic, fashion-like panoramas. This semester I've been working on documenting the election, so I've been doing a lot of walking around, taking pictures of activity on campus. Sculpture-wise, I do a lot of metal, a lot of jewelry making. I would be happy with a big pile of metal and a welding studio for a very long time.

What influences you?
Can I just make a list? Robert Doisneau, David LaChapelle, J. Haas, Steven Meisel, Annie Leibovitz.

Were you involved in the arts before coming to Smith?
I went to Maine College of Art before I came to Smith, so I've always been an art geek. I've also been working in photojournalism for a while as my side job; I'm a member of the National Press Photographers Association. I've been working professionally at Smith, too, I even did a woman's modeling portfolio here. It's cool to get paid to do what you like.

Post-graduation plans?
Currently, I'm planning to take off until I'm 25 and work on building my portfolio. I'd love to be doing magazine work, but it's a dying industry. After working freelance for the past three years, I understand how difficult it can be.

What is your favorite thing about the Valley arts scene?
Can it be un-related to photography? It's definitely the music scene. I'm the news director of WOZQ, and the music scene here is one of the reasons I was very drawn to this area. It's very vibrant, and we get a lot of great artists.

Also, the artistic community at Smith is really the best group I've ever worked with,; everyone's so inspiring. I didn't go abroad because I wanted to stay and work with this group of women. It's just one of those rare moments.

Where would we find you on a typical Friday night?
Sitting in my suite with my boyfriend and my two best friends, listening to music, maybe taking some photos, and avoiding jumping in the pond.

See for yourself: www.mattheadaughtry.com

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