Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretchen Dunn.
Gretchen, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I studied to be a fashion photographer at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, dreaming of big city life in Los Angeles. I moved across the country alone, from a small Midwest town, at 21 years old in an old Jeep, to pursue my dreams. I dabbled in many different areas of art and photography, but after having my children, I truly found direction and inspiration in creating images of genuine love and family.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m a photographer of people. I am most passionate about families. Weddings are the start of a new family of two. Next comes the babies, the loud messy beautiful life of early parenthood. Then there are these big crazy chaotic multigenerational families with years of love.
Family photoshoots capture and freeze this quickly fleeting moment in time. Watching my own kids grow so quickly, I can empathize with other moms and the proud heartache of our babies growing like weeds. I think it is so important to get moms in front of my camera, because they seem to be the ones always the ones taking the pictures, not in them. We make excuses. We aren’t ready to be photographed. We don’t feel good enough. But that’s not what our kids see, or what they will remember. Capturing Motherhood, in all its beautiful imperfection, that is art to me. I hope my clients walk away from a photoshoot having made a fun memory with their loved ones. When they receive their photographs, I hope they feel beautiful, even more in love, and happy for the time they spent to be in front of my camera.
How can artists connect with other artists?
I wouldn’t normally consider myself a people-person, but when I have my camera, it gives me extrovert powers and I’m able to talk to anyone. But it is true, being an artist can be lonely. I think that sometimes stems from photography being a competitive field. I have made my strongest connections with other artists when we support each other and lift each other up. I frequently work with another female-owned photography business, Studio-Di, and she has become a great source of support and encouragement to me. She’s mentored me, hired me to work under her company name, and has given me support and advice on running my own business. I think it’s important to recognize your own strengths and weakness, and to not be in competition with others, but take it as a chance to learn and grow from one another, especially other women.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I am active on Instagram: @crushdart_photography. My website: www.Crushdart.com. People can support my art by being part of it! Book a photoshoot and make some magic with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crushdart.com
- Phone: 6199906078
- Email: info@crushdart.com
- Instagram: @crushdart_photography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/crushdart
Image Credit:
Gretchen Dunn
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