Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Whitefish, Montana ( a little ski town in way up in the north, near Canada).

How did you develop your art?

I am self taught, although I was a member of a photography club when I studied abroad in Japan. I’ve been writing poetry since I was in high school.

Why art?

My art is an extension of my connection with the universe. Since early childhood I have always been fascinated with capturing the world around me and all that I experience on film. I think I first picked up a camera in about the fourth grade. I’ve been hooked since. For me, photography is about more than taking a great shot. Contained within each moment there is a lot of emotion and life, whether it’s in a person’s eyes, a random object that I have found walking down the street, or a message written on the side of a building downtown. With each photograph, I try to capture these moments and share them with anyone who is willing to take a look.

I also love to write and I discovered at an early age that poetry is a great way to express your feelings in a positive way. It’s a sort of release, like downloading files from the hard drive of your mind. Getting it out on paper cleans out the cobwebs and boxes to make room for new experiences and memories. I always feel so much better after writing poem, working on a piece, or taking a really great shot with my camera.

What is your most nurturing human relationship?

I would have to say that right now that person is my son. I have lost two children before having him, two girls. I placed my first child, Alyssa, up for adoption with friends of mine. I carried her for 9 months and then they took over. My second child, Dharma, was diagnosed with a fatal birth defect at 5 months (in utero). I carried her for 3 more months before she finally passed away. I feel that both of these events make my son that much more special. He has given me something that I think I have been trying to find all my life that I was missing. But I love all my children equally. My next art show, coming up in August, was inspired by my children.

What is your favorite candy?

Hands down I would have to say those little orange slices. My grandmother used to have those sitting out in her candy jar every time I would come over to visit.

Hobbies?

Well, I’m sure you may have guessed already. I love photography and writing. I write in my journal almost every day. That’s also where I experiment with new poems or ideas for pieces. I also love to read.

How can I contact you?

There are many ways you can reach me. My work is posted on Facebook (under dragonfly photography). You can also see pictures of my son on main Facebook page (Chelsie Dwello-Senholtz). I also have a myspace page. You can also contact me through email.