Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Project Abstract.

I've been working for a week or so on putting a finer point on the academic side of my thesis project, including a new title and accompanying written description. I'll be presenting the project at the Academy of Art in San Francisco in November and am beginning to line up Oakland churches that are interested in displaying the finished pieces in an informal gallery setting.

Being "on point" academically will be critically. Modern American academics tend not to trust Christianity and to not understand the language of religion that we take for granted. A big motivation for me is to present the Christian church as I see it, good people serving the surrounding community with heart, soul, and mind. Thanks for reading, please feel free to refer potential subjects to me.

In the meantime, here is the newly re-written abstract:

4b. Abstract

“The Faith; The Modern Face of Christianity in Today’s City” is a series of portraits of influential Christians in Oakland, CA. My photos, shot on location throughout the city, are intended to provide a visual for today’s church, by portraying church leaders; faith-driven community workers; Christian artists, writers, and musicians; and people motivated by faith to improve our East Bay community.

I am an Oakland-based commercial photographer and MFA student at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. This series is my masters thesis, which will be presented in San Francisco in November, 2010, and shared with churches in Oakland. Having served the church as a missionary in South America for a number of years, I have a deep interest in our portrayal to both congregants and the secular community. This project is both an exploration of my Oakland home and a tribute to my Christian faith.

“The Faith; The Modern Face of Christianity in Today’s City” can be followed online on a dedicated blog:
http://oaklandchristiancommunity.blogspot.com

And my commercial work can be seen on my Webpage:
http://mattbeardsleyphoto.com

Matt Beardsley
925-381-4196
mattbeardsleyphoto@gmail.com

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