Yuman uses photography passion to teach art classes

At 17, Ana Paulina Padilla discovered her passion for photography. Today, she passes along her passion in the photography-related courses she teaches at the Yuma Art Center.

"When I was (at Arizona State University), I decided I would like teaching people, but not by being a teacher in school. Here at the art center, I feel that I have the opportunity to teach people, and if they have the desire, they can (learn photography and art)," said Padilla, now 25.

"It's like contributing a little of what I received," said Padilla, who is teaching various courses at the art center.

"What I finished the university, that was my idea, because it's a way I can continue evolving as an artist, to continue evolving as a photographer, as a painter, illustrator - everything that involves being an artist. So, while I teach people, I also learn."

This month and in August, she is teaching classes on basic darkroom techniques and use of photography in multimedia art forms.

"Before, I wanted to be a commercial photographer (but) that didn't happen. But everything has a reason. Now I think that when I was in (Arizona Western College) before entering the university, I think that there, my idea was to be a professional photographer and go to New York.

"But, there are other things I want to do. Now I would like to focus on my art, but I don't want to be an egotist in that respect."

Her first experience with photography came with a camera loaned to her by her aunt, said Padilla, a native of San Luis Rio Colorado, Son., who earned a fine arts degree from ASU.

Her second came when her parents bought her a camera. "They bought me my first camera, which was a manual camera of a brand no one had heard of, but what I liked about that camera was its super small body, but it had a regular 52 millimeter lens and it had a telephoto lens. And for me, a camera that had a telephoto was 'wow,' the best, and apart from that, it came with everything and a flash."

At that point, Padilla said, she knew what career she would pursue. So she began taking pictures.

Various images of her sister, her dog and her cat appear in the first photos Padilla took. "Like any beginner, I began taking photos around my house, I always took pictures of things I was encountering along the way."

Photography "is like my foundation, what impassions me. It's what pleases me."

Besides teaching at the art center, Padilla dedicates her self to artistic photography.

"Right now, I'm working on a (photo) series on shoes and it's called 'Shoe Series.'"

---

SOME CLASSES TAUGHT BY ANA PAULINA PADILLA AT THE YUMA ART CENTER:

ORIGAMI PHOTO TRANSFER BOOK

In this class, students 14 and older learn to transfer photos to books or cards done on watercolor paper.

Cost: $15 for city of Yuma residents and $23 for nonresidents.

When: July 14, from noon to 4 p.m.

Materials students should bring: Photocopies of images to be incorporated into desired designs, plus personal objects such as pictures, buttons, coins and ribbons.

ALTERED BOOK

Students 14 and older and will learn to turn books into art pieces.

Cost: $15 for residents and $23 for nonresidents

When: July 30, noon to 4 p.m.

Materials students should bring: Hard-covered book, plus personal objects to be incorporated into the art piece, such as pictures, buttons and coins.

BEGINNING PHOTO DEVELOPING TECHNIQUES

Students 14 and older will learn to develop, print and retouch photos, and how to use traditional darkroom equipment.

Cost: $40 for city residents and $60 for noncity residents.

When: Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25, noon through 4 p.m.

Materials students should bring: Call 373-5202 for information on supplies

For more information about courses taught by Padilla, call 373-5202 or visit www.ci.yuma.az.us/parksandrec.

---

Diana Suarez is a staff writer for Bajo El Sol, The Sun's Spanish-language sister publication from which this story is reprinted.