Tower-Summer 2019

22 TOWER | SUMMER 2019 A single martini glass. A white, crisp man’s dress shirt. The New York City skyline in shades of blue and a pair of bowler hats. JeffersonHayman’s (’93) minimalist photography is simple yet penetrating, capturing themes of memory, nostalgia and common symbols, as well as global attention from the likes of Sir Elton John, Bill Clinton and Robert DeNiro. Along with celebrity homes, his acclaimed work can be found in the Museum of Modern Art Library, The Boston Athenaeum and The New York Public Library. “I use the camera as a visual journal,” Hayman said, “moving through life, photographing anything that catches my eye, whether it be images of a landscape, my children, a still life, or New York City. I joke that if my eyes are open, I’m working – constantly looking and studying this world.” His exploration started at KU, where he chose to pursue a degree in fine arts because the program “has a tremendous reputation.” As he reflected on his experience, he looked back fondly on the impact of his professors, particularly Peter Traugott and George Sorrels . “One covered the mechanics of being an artist: the techniques and the composition, while the other talked more about the life and philosophy of the artist, giving little hints and lectures about the art world, the gallery system and how to survive as an artist,” remembered Hayman. “I found their tutelage extremely helpful.” It’s Hayman’s artistic framing, however, that adds final crescendo. As a student at KU, he worked in frame shops to get discounts on art supplies, but the real payoff was in his mastery of the craft. Today, Hayman’s ability to find or create the perfect antique frame to accompany his photography, yields top dollar and deserved prestige. His advice to up-and-coming artists? “Just do it.” Capturing Memory and Nostalgia in a Camera Click The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in communication design was featured as one of the 10Best OnlineMaster’s inGraphicDesign Programs in the nation in 2018 by TheBestSchools.org.