Terri Garland is an artist who specializes in photographing the social and cultural fabric of the American South. While not limiting herself to any particular genre,she finds that her most enduring projects have fit solidly into the documentary tradition.
She received her BFA from the Art Institute in 1987 and her MFA in 1990. She teaches photography at San Jose City College.
As a graduate student at the Art Institute, Garland began an examination of white Supremacist culture that has spanned ... view more »
What do you do now? Has your art evolved or changed?
It was a validation of many years of work. The prize allowed me to purchase a large-format printer and I have printed digitally ever since.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an emerging artist?
I am still photographing in the South; my focus has changed from documenting overt signs of racism to investigating how greed from industry damages minority communities. I launched a Hatchfund.org crowd-sourcing campaign to finance my first feature-length documentary, Louisiana, Purchased. Actor Wendell Pierce has agreed to narrate.
Briefly, how would you describe the state of the arts locally, as well as national and beyond?
Seek feedback, be connected with social media, consider advice but remain true to your vision, however unpopular it may be.
vibrant, enduring, challenging
