By Jessie Kuenzel
Staff Writer

As fall approaches and the bright summer-green foliage disappears, the photography of Ariella Fenna Brown will add a pleasant pop of color to anyone’s day.
Although she already has a full schedule between her position on the board of Hillel, her participation in an Israeli dance troupe, and—when there’s time—hula-hooping, Ariella still manages to produce outstanding photography.
She describes her work as nonjudgmental and fanciful, and both are definitely accurate assessments. Her work pictured above, Tea Cup, is a portrait, yet still filled with a sense of whimsy and individuality. Ariella is also drawn to botanical images, explaining that she likes the abstract quality of the final products.
She began her journey into the world of photography in her sophomore year of high school with black and white film, but realized over time that she prefers the look of a more contemporary style. Although she is well-versed in the techniques of shooting and developing film, she has found that digital gives her a better platform to produce the look she wants.
Her skills with digital photography, both behind the lens and in Photoshop, have not gone unnoticed. She was asked to be a TA at the start of last year, and is now instructing labs for her third semester. Her demeanor as a TA is much like her photographic style; she is open and encourages discussion with students, and there’s always a laugh to be had when she’s in the classroom.
Ariella listed a surprisingly eclectic range of artists when asked who inspires her. Among those she named were: Rineke Dijkstra, a Dutch photographer known for her contemporary spin on classic portraiture; Rilo Kiley, a Los Angeles indie rock band; and Jumpa Lahiri, who is known for her collections of short stories “Interpreter of Maladies” and “Unaccustomed Earth.”
The several classes she has taken here over the years definitely helped Ariella harness and refine her photographic skills, but no one can deny that the voice in her work is anything but her own. Refreshingly unique, and sporting a great new pink hairstyle, Ariella is an invaluable asset to the artistic community here at Simmons.