Drawing Through The Lens.
- attended Bloomington High School, North Bloomington, IN
- graduated 2005, BFA Photography
- currently starting his own business
Matt Obrakta
“When I started at MIAD, I saw the majors as very defined, and almost segregated. Later, especially as a junior and senior, you see the majors blending together and understand the full potential of the interdisciplinary opportunities available to you.”
Although Matt Obrakta’s current work is mostly digital photography, he’s no stranger to more traditional drawing and painting media. After devoting a large chuck of time to drawing, while majoring in photography at MIAD, Obrakta culminated his college experience by creating a large series of work using photographic materials on paper. The result was a painterly, spontaneous form of photography. Recently, Obrakta has worked diligently to get his own photography business going, pursuing commercial and commission venues while continuing to create fine art photography.
Q. What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up?
A. As a child, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, but I was always into art. Maybe as a child and adolescent I wasn’t sure what I could with a life as an artist. When I started high school, I knew I wanted to do something in the field of art.
Q. What is your first memorable experience with art and design?
A. In first grade, I made a huge diorama using paper mache for a volcano and modeling clay for the dinosaurs.
Q. How did your MIAD education affect where you are today?
A. My MIAD education has made me think more about who I am as an artist, and has truly guided me on a unique path with my creative work.
Q. What’s the one thing you would tell a high school student who is considering attending MIAD now that you’ve experienced life after graduation?
A. Use all of the equipment that you can while you’re there. Chances are that once you graduate from college you won’t ever have another opportunity to use as much equipment and resources as MIAD has to offer its students.
Q. If you had to sum up your job in a single sentence, what would it be?
A. I am in the middle of starting my own photography business, while I work helping the handicapped.
Q. What are your goals for the future, in art and in life?
A. Starting my own photography business, with a digital lab at home, and showing in galleries again, are high on my list of goals. Personally, I want to travel, and start a family. I plan on moving to the Portland, Oregon area.
Q. Please define how you saw your major while in school, and how that definition has changed over the years.
A. When I started at MIAD, I saw the majors as very defined, and almost segregated. Later, especially as a junior and senior, you see the majors blending together and understand the full potential of the interdisciplinary opportunities available to you.
to see more work by Obrkata or to inquire about commissions, please visit: www.matthewobraktaphotography.com.
