A visual learner’s journey

Since Andover was the place that I discovered photography, it was an honor to be asked to return after more than 50 years to make some new pictures. I love wintertime and I made plans to photograph when there was snow. One Saturday afternoon, I got lucky.

Andover’s campus becomes abstracted during the winter. Colors are muted, sounds are softened, and the line work of the trees becomes important. We make our own heat, and I believe we have more freedom to think when it is cold.

During my time at Andover, I had an undiagnosed attention deficit disorder. I struggled with reading and history, but I found a place for myself in the (then–brand new) studio art center. It was there I discovered photography.

I had trouble getting admitted to college, and I took a year off to work. I owe a debt to Dean Benedict, who wrangled me a place at the architecture school at UC Berkeley. After graduation, it took me three miserable years to learn that although I hated practicing architecture, I did have the skills to photograph buildings. I have been doing this now for 40 years.

The studio art center was the place where Gerald Shertzer helped me realize several steel sculptures over a very hot gas forge. I still have one of the forged steel sculptures I made at Andover. In 2010, I was asked to take some photographs of the new Addison Museum Learning Center, which was a pleasant assignment that brought back many memories.

For many alumni, Andover’s campus is beautiful. It is also a place that brings back strong feelings: some failures and regrets, but also some triumphs and discoveries of one’s own particular skills.