Kelsey Cliche! began as sort of a joke--I kept sneaking cliche hearts and other symbols into my mixed media work to irritate my professor. As my work as progressed over the years, I have realized the power of symbolism--especially in our everyday, personal lives. The Nike swoosh, the McDonald's M, instant message smiley faces, 30 second advertising--we live in a culture immersed in cliche.

I love looking at fashion photography, but I'm personally interested in social documentation. Most of the photos you see are straight images--meaning they haven't been retouched in Photoshop. I still use it once in a while but I'm getting to where I'd rather be out shooting than in front of my computer editing.

Lomography has also become a fascination of mine, and I hope to pursue that further. Lomo is a series of cameras that are usually made of plastic and offer creative compositions. I have two--one gives me four vertical images on one negative, and the other allows me to have up to four different images on one.

If you like what you see, maybe you could buy some of my work! I make crafty things as well. Necklaces, stickers, books, etc! Items are in my photo galleries--ranging from fine art to cute and cliche. I like the idea of making fine art affordable to everyone, so besides my large-scale pieces, my work is decently priced. You can place your orders by email or through my online shop listed below.

I am currently using a Casio Exilim EZ600 point and shoot (for portability), and a Nikon D200. I own three lomographic cameras: the supersampler, the all-weather actionsampler, and the Holga.

Other websites of mine:

To purchase work: www.kelseycliche.etsy.com

Add me on myspace: www.myspace.com/so_scene

Feel free to e-mail me at kbless@mac.com if you have any questions or comments.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Bachelor of Fine Art: College of Design, Iowa State University (ISU),
Ames, Iowa
• Expected graduation date: December 2008
• Dean’s List for three consecutive semesters

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Co-President of ISU’s Photo Club “Developed”, Ames (2008-2007)
• Organized meetings, designed club shirts, and creatively raised funds
• Coordinated a juried show and silent auction for our members
• Taught basic photography class at library for adults in community

Wedding Photographer, Johannesburg, South Africa (July 2007)
• Shot in all types of lighting conditions
• Designed a professional keepsake album

Documentary Photographer, Free State, South Africa (July 2007)
• Photographed children during a medical outreach
• Created slideshows and a short commercial for use in presentations
• Will continue to use these images to help raise awareness about the AIDS crisis

Ethos Magazine, Ames, Iowa (Spring 2007)
• Staff photographer
• Organized photo shoots, provided creative input, and met strict deadlines

SKILLS:

Equipment:
• 35 and 120 film, 35mm and digital SLR cameras, lensbaby
• Traditional darkroom process
• Basic studio lighting

Software:
• Adobe Photoshop
• Microsoft Office
• Final Cut, iMovie, GarageBand, Soundslides

Personal traits:
• People person, imaginative, enthusiastic, detail oriented, punctual

EXHIBITIONS:

“Developed: Juried Show and Silent Auction”, juried by Jason Scott Hoffman. (2008)
• Gallery 181B, College of Design, ISU

“Collective Perspective”, juried by Larassa Kabel. (2008)
• Gallery 181A, College of Design, ISU

“Of a Certain Size”, juried by Paula Streeter. (2008)
• Pioneer Gallery, Memorial Union, ISU

“Craft Saturday!”, Participants chosen by Danielle Williams. (2008-2007)
• Expo of local artists
• Hosted by Vaudeville Mews and Java Joes, Des Moines

“Studies in Creativity”, juried by Justin Nostrala. (2007)
• Won the Purchase Award for “South Africa”.
• Memorial Union Gallery, Memorial Union, ISU

“Developed” (2007)
• Café Diem, Ames

“Social (In)Justice Through the Arts”, juried by Pat Bacon. (2007)
• Gallery 181, College of Design, ISU

“Kelsey Blessman: Solo Show” (2007)
• Café Diem, Ames