Conner Gordon

This is a photo of me at the Seattle Photo Book & Zine fair. Self-publishing photo books is a major aspect of my practice, and this generous award will help me continue to do so!

Degree: MFA

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2024

Prior Degree
BA in Political Science, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN

2022-2023 Scholarship
Joe and Alona Fischer Scholarship

I Am Originally From Carmel, IN

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I chose to attend UO because I was drawn to the interdisciplinary environment of the MFA program, the caliber of the faculty, and the proximity to some of my favorite places in the Pacific Northwest.

I found art (and photography, specifically) a way to explore the ideas I was interested in and bring them to audiences in an interdisciplinary, exploratory manner.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
I’m coming from a political science and writing background, so interdisciplinary interests/concerns weigh heavily in how I approach my work. This includes a Fulbright research grant to Serbia, where I studied Yugoslav-era modernist urban planning through photography.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
It’s been wonderful working with Ron Jude, who is head of the photography area, and I’ve had great experiences working with all of the art department faculty as part of the MFA program!

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
My grreateest leaarning experience at UO has been hammering out what it means to be an artist alongside my fellow MFA’s, undergraduates, and faculty as both a student and instructor in the classroom.

AFTER GRADUATION
In an ideal world, I’d love to be teaching photography at a liberal arts college.

YOUR GIFT
This scholarship does wonders in supporting the technical production of my work in the studio, allowing me to pursue new ideas and explore new approaches to my photographs.

I thank you deeply for your support!