This year, Rosary has welcomed a few new teachers on campus. Ms. Pratt joined the Rosary Fine Arts Department and is an excellent addition to our school! Ms. Pratt teaches the photography and graphic design classes and is looking forward to what this year will hold. She cannot wait to learn of all the traditions and learn about all the activities we host. I was able to talk with her and learn more about her; keep reading to get to know Ms. Pratt!
Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?
I started as a portrait and concert photographer, but I switched to teaching when I worked at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center as an art educator. I taught photography, arts and crafts, and enjoyed working with kids. I was also a nanny throughout my student career, so working with kids felt natural.
Q: What made you pursue photography?
My first experience with photography was in high school. We had a dark room, which was really fun and influenced my experience. We were some of the last students to work in the dark room, but my experiences in developing the photos led me closer to photography. Then, in college, I stuck to doing film and continued to pursue my photography passion.
Q: If you had to choose between graphic design and photography, which would you choose?
I would absolutely choose photography! It is where my heart truly is and my passion for photography continues to grow.
Q: Do you have a favorite photograph or advertisement?
Some of my favorite photographers are William Eggleston and Francesca Woodman. William Eggleston has a unique approach to photography and spontaneously took pictures of others in the 60s and turned them into art. I love that it is so simple, but so beautiful. My favorite photo of his is an old lady in front of the rainbow because the rainbow is so childish, but she’s so old.
Q: How did you find yourself at Rosary?
I was actually finishing school and at my job at Muckenthaler Center when I was discussing my future with my boss. I wasn’t sure what would be next, and I asked if there were any job openings. Then, my boss received an email minutes later about a job opening at Rosary for photography, which felt so perfect!
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
Whenever I get some free time, I am kind of a nerd and like video games. I used to go to a lot of local concerts and take pictures of my friends who were in bands, which I love. Now, I am very involved with my sister’s four kids, so I spend a lot of time with my family.
Q: What are you most excited about this year as a new teacher here at Rosary?
Before coming to Rosary, I had limited knowledge and just knew Rosary and Servite as a rival to my school, Fullerton. Once I accepted the job, I realized just how big the Rosary community is. I found out my best friend’s mom graduated from Rosary, and my family friend had been part of the class who carried their desks up the hill!
Q: How has photography influenced your life?
Until high school, art was not a part of my life, and I wasn’t an artistic person. I never did arts and crafts and felt disconnected from the art world. I really enjoyed photography because if you are near a camera, you can jump into it immediately. I realized that if you learn it, you can be good at it and don’t need to have a practiced talent for it. After that, I never stopped taking pictures.
We are delighted to have Ms. Pratt on our campus this year. Royals, please be sure to say hello to Ms. Pratt and welcome her to campus.
