By Jessie Kuenzel
Staff Writer
Motivated to create art with a message, Simmons sophomore Dani Boucher cultivated his considerable talent behind the lens and in the darkroom to develop a strong artistic voice that speaks to viewers through his poignant, and often personal, black and white photography.
As a high school sophomore, Dani signed up for an introductory level photography class as a pre-requisite for another course he was hoping to take in the future. Although hesitant at first, Dani soon uncovered a passion—and penchant—for photography he had no idea was there; “from the first time I developed a roll of film I was hooked. I just looked down and thought ‘holy shit, I did this’,” he says. “[Photography] had me wrapped around its finger from the second I tried it.”
When asked to describe himself as an artist, he took a moment to think—his face scrunched up in thought—and then he laughed. “I guess I’d have to say I’m opportunistic,” he said. “I look around me for inspiration; my work often has to do with my life, or the life of others I know.” The walls of his room confirm this, as a beautiful and powerful narrative collection of self-portraits hang front and center waiting to be admired, and an adjacent wall displays earlier pictures of himself and friends.
“I want to challenge people to think when they look at my art,” he said. Stressing the importance of social issues within his work is what—aside from the obvious mastery of photographic technique —makes Dani’s art so unique and refreshing. He has taken his own experiences—from troubles to triumphs—and laid them all out for his viewers to witness.
When not developing a roll of his own film, Dani can often be found in the dark room fulfilling his managerial positions of teaching assistant and lab manager. Beginning with the first class four years ago, Dani has immersed himself in the world of photography. Making sure to take photography classes every year in high school and here at Simmons—where he took both introductory and advanced black and white photography last year, and is currently enrolled in documentary photography this semester—Dani has quickly built up a reputation for himself as both a talented artist and master of dark room techniques.
In a world where digital cameras and camera phones dominate, Dani’s work is a shining example of the poetry that can be created with black and white photography. Keep an eye out for the work of this talented artist, as we will surely be seeing more of him during his years at Simmons, and if you’re lucky enough to have him as a TA or classmate, be sure to ask for a peek at his portfolio already bursting with masterpieces; you won’t be disappointed.
