Kristine Schomaker
About
Kristine Schomaker ( https://www.kristineschomaker.net/) is a multidisciplinary artist, art historian, publisher and mentor living and working at the Brewery artist complex in Los Angeles, California. She earned her BA in Art History and MA in Studio Art from California State University at Northridge where she studied under Betty Ann Brown and Samantha Fields. In 2014 Kristine founded Shoebox PR, a support network that focuses on creating community and offering mentorship and resources to artists. Kristine is also the publisher of Art and Cake a contemporary L.A. Art Magazine focusing on underrepresented artists and exhibitions. Kristine has taught art history at Antelope Valley College and Pasadena City College, formed an artist collective in Los Angeles and has organized and curated numerous art exhibitions throughout Southern California. Kristine sits on the board for the CSUN Arts Alumni Association. Exhibiting her work since the late 1990’s, Kristine has been featured in numerous exhibitions including most recently, group shows at Ronald H Silverman Fine Arts Gallery at Cal State LA, Golden West College, Coastline Community College, Keystone Art Space, LAVA Projects, San Diego Art Institute, Launch LA, Surrogate Projects, 18th Street Art Center, Durden and Ray, USC Keck, Blue Roof Studios, Monte Vista Proejcts, Finishing Concepts, PØST, Brainworks Gallery, BLAM, MuseuMM; Torrance Art Museum, I-5 Gallery, Angel City Brewery. She has also had these solo exhibitions: “Plus” at Ark Gallery in Altadena and Moorpark Community College, “Mirror, Mirror!” Gallery H Phantom Galleries LA, Hawthorne, California, “A Comfortable Skin,” Kerckhoff Hall Art Gallery UCLA, presented by UCLA Cultural Arts Commission, Los Angeles, California and “Ce n’est pas une peinture,” TRACTIONARTS, Los Angeles, California.
Gallery
LACP Interviews Kristine Schomaker
LACP asks Kristine Schomaker ten questions about her background, career in and beliefs about photography.
Los Angeles Center of Photography: What kind of photographer are you?
Kristine Schomaker: I am a project based photographer. I use photography to document my various projects surrounding body image.
LACP: How long have you been shooting?
KS: As an art practice for about 13 years. I was in grad school and realized how important photography was for communicating my message and documenting my performance based work.
LACP: Where did you get your training?
KS: I haven’t had any formal photography training. I am self taught so basically through experience.
LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?
KS: When I knew I was an artist. I use all media to communicate and photography is another tool in my toolbox.
LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?
KS: Never.
LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?
KS: No.
LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?
KS: I have gained more opportunity and diversity in my art practice.
LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?
KS: I give professional development workshops on the business of art and social media.
LACP: What do you love most about teaching?
KS: I have my degree in art history as well as studio art. Sharing my knowledge and experience and watching artists take what they can and apply it to their practices gives me joy.
LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?
KS: Go for it. Be brave. Be generous. Be patient and don’t give up.