The art of real life
Isabella “Izzy” Holsman, a born-and-raised Vaquero resident, began her senior year at UC Boulder this fall with a flash. An undergraduate Art Practices major, Izzy was accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program for photography.
Only a few art students apply for the BFAs instead of the typical Bachelor of Arts; the BFA is a rigorous program allowing accepted students to take higher intensity, medium-focused classes (students pick a specific medium, like painting or drawing, etc.) and the opportunity for a thesis. This degree is for dedicated artists who choose their exact focus wanting serious field work after graduation.
Izzy’s interest in photography started in seventh grade. She cited joining Rocky Heights Middle School’s yearbook club as a catalyst for her passion.
“I chose photography in middle school because of the love rooted in Castle Pines,” explained Izzy. “I loved creating and publishing something people would be excited about. It was special to have everyone look back on the memories they made that year, see their friends and lives as I captured them.”
Izzy was also involved in yearbook at Rock Canyon High School. She reminisced on the hometown inspiration that launched her career. “How could I not be inspired by the rolling hills, mountain landscapes, and the kind, loving friends and family I grew up with? Those are the things I want to photograph – real life.”
For her BFA showcase, Izzy will center her thesis around her hometown community. She plans to use a unique printing process for her photos. The prints, called cyanotypes, are made using chemical-treated paper that develops when exposed to sunlight. In past work, Izzy combined natural elements with photo negatives, creating collaged solar prints – photographs overlayed by vines or blossoms framing the image.
She correlates the idea of cyanotypes to home by the time it takes to build a community and to hand-make the prints.
“I want to take pictures of people who are loved – friends, family, strangers – while also focusing on homes,” stated Izzy as she described her thesis concept. “The homes in college are recognizable; they develop character, personality, and we inhabit these storied spaces, creating community and love.” She added that her journey stems from those around her and their reactions to the memories she collects, bringing joy as her subjects see themselves and their lives in a beautiful light.
Izzy’s BFA showcase will be open to the public at CU in the spring of 2025. This will be a culmination of her work, the extra hours and classes she put into documenting her entire life, and a reminder that photography is more than a hobby, but a serious career path to pursue. Izzy hopes to work in gallery or museum curation when she graduates, where she can continue to be inspired by the art of real life. Follow Izzy on Instagram @holsmanfilm.
By Marly Holsman; photos courtesy of Izzy Holsman
