Alyssa Bowers, Being Extraordinary

© Santiago Romero
Runner, photographer, bright-spirit: not one word sums up the enthusiastic and lovely Ms. Alyssa Bowers. She joins the Workshops again this summer as a course assistant. Susan Hayre Thelwell caught up with this fun-loving sprite while she was "catching my breath" in between seasons.

Susan: So, Alyssa, tell me about your path into photography?
Alyssa: I always wanted to write, I loved poetry and short stories. Photography has become an extension of that love for the imagination and dreams you can create in your heart and mind. I took a darkroom class when I was 14. I will never forget the moment I watched my first print appear like magic in the developer. I've been hooked ever since.

S: How do you describe your personal work?
A: My personal work is fine-art self-portraiture. I am deeply interested in the emotional metaphors an image can hold.

S: What is your dream job and your biggest life dream?
A: Benefit others, take pictures, and experience other cultures. In that order. I want to start a non-profit organization supporting and raising awareness of international aid organizations through media based projects.

S: Wow. And where did you go to school? Study photography?
A: I have Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Communication's; I wanted to broaden my horizons by gaining a grasp for filming and audio-visual technology. I'm grateful for it even though I'm not technically practicing with it, I'm pretty sure it will come in handy in the future.

S: So, how did you make your way to Santa Fe?
A: I was filming a group on a snorkeling and scuba diving trip in the Cayman Islands, spouting my dream of pursuing photography to the closest victim who casually replied by mentioning the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops as a possible place to start. I researched his reference and jumped at the opportunity. I've had the gift and privilege of participating as a work-study and course assistant since applying for the summer season of 2008.

S: Tell me a bit about the instructor or instructors you have assisted who has had the biggest impact on you.
A: Every instructor has a different influence on my work and in my life. Eddie Soloway taught me about details and playing with the camera, Arthur Myerson taught me framing and composition, Mary Virginia Swanson taught me how to make myself known, and Bobbi Lane taught me about light. I could list every single instructor I have interacted with and something vital I have learned from them. I am constantly amazed at the depth and knowledge base of instructors who teach at the workshops.

S: What do you like best about living in Santa Fe?
A: I love the landscape. There's nothing like a summer storm at sunset, the sky blazing with colors, flashes of lightning in clouds looking as if they could spill onto the desert floor at my feet. It's magnificent.

S: What is your favorite sport or outdoor activity in Santa Fe?
A: I love to hike and trail run. It's a blast and there's endless opportunities to explore.

S: Tell me about your running. When did you get into running and what are your current goals?
A: I come from a family of runners. I ran competitively in high school and truly got hooked when I ran Hood to Coast, which is a non-stop, 200-mile relay from Mt. Hood to the Oregon Coast, with 24 family members and friends. I'm training for a 50K at the moment and have two and five years goals of running a 50 and 100 mile ultra-marathon as well as the Iron-man Triathlon. I love the freedom and mental release running gives me from the trials of every day life. It's my therapy and sanctuary.

S: What do you find most challenging about being in Santa Fe?
A: Being away from my family, they're wonderful and I miss seeing their faces!

S: What do you do for fun at night in SF?
A: Catamount is a favorite hang out downtown I frequent with other workshop staff, but there's really nothing better than a nice, relaxing dinner with friends.

S: What is your favorite place to eat in Santa Fe? What do you order there?
A: I love Gabriel's. It's just outside of the city and has really great guacamole and enchiladas!

S; What is your favorite color and what is your sign?
I love the color of the ocean. It's peaceful. And I am an Aries, I love doing crazy things like sky-diving. I'm goal-driven and I love to lead.

S: Do you have a nickname? And if so, what is it?
A: My first season at the workshops I was penned "Velcro" for my abnormal tendencies to hug everyone in sight. I become "Industrial Strength Velcro" if I'm feeling particularly lovey-dovey.

S: And something surprising or unknown to us about you?
A: Most people are surprised by the size and connection I have with my family. Six aunt's and uncles, and 30 cousins. We spend a lot of time together and we're all very close.

Sounds like you come from a supportive and engaged family, Alyssa. We are thrilled to have you as part of ours here at the Workshops! Have a great summer season.