Studying photography at the University of ֱ at Lafayette gave Edo Vrsalovic the opportunity “to meet an exemplary group of artists.”
He originally studied industrial design, but then decided to major in visual arts with a concentration in photography after realizing his interest in communicating through imagery.
“I am very passionate about problem solving and communication,” he said. “I decided to change my major to visual arts because the field of the arts gives me more freedom and flexibility to express myself and to communicate my ideas.
“I believe my imagery is more effective at communicating the issues that I want to address within my community and the world.”
As a visual arts major, Edo had the option to take classes in his concentration and in other art disciplines. He took a printmaking class with Professor Brian Kelly, which was instrumental in understanding his own medium of photography.
“Brian helped me expand my views on expression and helped me push my imagery in a way that I have never experienced before,” Edo said. “He made me understand that photography can be done in so many ways.”
Edo also took a drawing class with Associate Professor Steven Breaux and a sculpture class with instructor Emily Wendte the same semester, which he said worked together beautifully.
“Emily and Steven both made me question every single aspect of a piece — showed me how important the what, why, how, and where are,” he said. “They also expanded my view on materials and pushed me into being more observant of my surroundings.”
But his favorite class, he said, was VIAR 398: Advanced Digital and Alternative Processes Photography with Stephanie Pain.
“I experienced cyanotypes for the first time and my whole world was changed with this new medium,” he said.
Edo is optimistic that his classes, the mentorship from his professors, and his experience as a student worker at the on campus will help him find success in the industry.
“I believe that the variety of creative expression methods, and the sheer number of artists I have discovered through my professors have definitely helped me find success in my field and will continue to do so,” he said.