Dana Ollestad
Tyler University, Japan Campus
Adjunct Faculty in Studio Art, Undergraduate Program - Application Portfolio
Portfolio curated for the TUJ hiring committee.
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Films
Casa Fantasma (Ghost House)
A short film about dealing with crumbling domestic systems and aging.
Sunflowers
A short documentary - a Japanese woman living in the USA worries to her mother that she's become placeless after a failed job interview in her native language.
Hotaru
An experimental documentary following 3 film directors reminiscing on their previous projects.
Body Flow
5 minute silent video loop
Installations
Beard Munchers
Installation with projected video and camera
Salt Labyrinth
Installation with salt and 5 channel audio
Boys
Two-channel silent looping video installation
Onion Cake
Installation utilizing projectors, film, and cameras
Releases
Live at Otooto
Audio Cassette
Flashes of Light We Can’t See
Audio Cassette
Glit
Photography Book
Where the River Meets the Sea
Photography Book
Teaching CV
Education
Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, MFA 2012
California State University at Fullerton, California, BFA 2006
Pedagogy
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 2012 - on going
Concepts I (3rd year conceptual projects)
Larger conceptual projects, 3 per term, in response to conceptual prompts supported by readings and critiques
Digital Photography 2
Advanced Camera RAW, digital printing, bookmaking (on-demand and hand-bound). Utilizing Adobe Photoshop.
Analog Photography and Darkroom
35mm film cameras, hand-processing, and darkroom processes
Digital Filmmaking 1
Utilizing digital cameras and audio recorders to generate short films. Genre is investigated. Focus is on camera, lensing, and supports. Utilizing Adobe Premiere.
Digital Filmmaking 2 (sound: traditional to experimental)
Utilizing a range of microphones and audio recorders in a filmmaking workflow. Building audio-focused conceptual artworks, experimental sound art, and sound art installations. Utilizing Adobe Audition.
Sound and Color* (replaced Digital Filmmaking 2)
Term split into focus on Sound and focus on Color in filmmaking. Sound segment is hands-on utilizing all kinds of microphones and audio recorders, best practices, Adobe Audition. Color segment is focused on utilizing recording in different color spaces - log, rec 709, and RAW workflows with Davinci Resolve.
Lighting for Cinema and Video*
Hands on with cinema lights- hot lights, fluorescents, LED panels and COB, modifiers, gels, gobos, stands and rigging, hand-building dimmers, and power cord management. Each week is structured as a mini-production, with students rotating through department roles: producer, DP, Sound, AC, AD, Director, Grip, Gaffer, PA...
Advanced Film Production (traditional cinema style production)
Plan and execute a term-long short film, structured as a classic cinema shoot, with students assigned department roles: producer, DP, Sound Recordist, AC, AD, Director, Grip, Gaffer, PA…
Moving Pixels* (Intermediate level time-based media) [replaced Digital Filmmaking 1]
Utilizing video and audio recorders for filmmaking, experimental video and sound works, and conceptual projects. Utilizing Adobe Premiere.
Time Studio (Foundation level time-based media)
Foundation-level introduction to digital filmmaking, experimental sound, performance for the lens, and live performance art. Introduction to Adobe Premiere and Audition.
Filmmaking for Non-Majors* (online)
Digital documentary and conceptual filmmaking with an emphasis on accessible workflows and DIY solutions. Introduction to Adobe Premiere.
Face The Future: AI Image Making* (online)
Utilizing AI image generators to address a number of creative, conceptual, and commercial applications and discussing the ethical Implications of these systems.
Western Washington University, WA 2010 - on-going
Sound & Motion - Experimental Filmmaking*
Experimental sound and filmmaking, including Super 8mm and 16mm filmmaking, and installation art strategies for physical film and projectors.
Super 8mm Filmmaking and the Neo-Retro*
Super 8mm filmmaking, hand editing, digital post-processes, conceptual considerations.
Black and White Photography
35mm film cameras, hand-processing, and darkroom processes
Lighting in Photography, co-taught with Garth Amundsen
Lighting for photography, natural light, practical lighting, flash, portable and studio strobe use
Beginning Digital Photography & The Image Culture (online)*
Digital photography and contemporary conceptual considerations
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 2015 - 2020
Intro to New Media 1
Digital still and video capture for digital workflows, basic frame-by-frame animation, basic sound recording. Performance for the lens and live performance. Intro to Adobe Photoshop and Premiere.
Intro to New Media 2
Digital audio recording, utilizing a range of microphones and audio recorders. Installation art considerations for works focused on digital mediums. Utilizing Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Audition.
Intermediate New Media 1
Larger conceptual projects, 3 or 4 per term, in response to conceptual prompts supported by readings and critiques.
Intermediate New Media 2
Larger conceptual projects, 2 per term, developed with the student in preparation for their senior term thesis. Artist Statement development.
University of Richmond, Richmond VA 2017 - 2020
Foundations in Visual and Media Arts Practice (Photography)
1/3 term intensive with darkroom photography - photograms and pinhole cameras.
Foundations in Visual and Media Arts Practice (Film)
1/3 term intensive generating experimental video and sound works. Introduction to Adobe Premiere and Audition.
Introduction to Photography
35mm film cameras, hand-processing, and darkroom processes
Introduction to Film, Sound, and Video
Digital filmmaking, experimental video and sound works, performance for the lens. Utilzing a range of digital video cameras- mirrorless, cinema, actioncams- microphones and audio recorders. Utilizing Adobe Premiere and Audition.
Photography Media Studio
Advanced photo digital ingest- film scanners, ultra high-res copystand capture, and output workflows, large format printing. Studio and portable strobe use.
Advanced Studio Practice
Larger conceptual projects, 1 or 2 per term, developed with the student for their senior term thesis. Artist Statement development.
Super 8mm Filmmaking Workshops*
Super 8mm filmmaking workshops are 2-day workshops. Day 1 is an overview of the medium, cameras, and film.
Day 2 is hand-processing and watching the films.
- Super 8mm Workshops, Studio 23, Richmond, VA 2012- 2018
- ArtWorks Gallery, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 2013
- Filmmaking Workshop, Saint Anne Belfield, Charlottesville, VA 2014 -2016
- Film and Representation, with Cathleen Rhodes, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 2014
*Courses that I designed and introduced, or was asked to significantly redesign.
Selected Exhibitions and Engagements
2023
Flying Teapot, with Kawaguchi Takahiro, curated by Chase Gardner, Tokyo Japan, April
Ftarri, with Yuma Takeshita, Tokyo Japan, March
Troisième Enculade with Potar, •••, Carl Stone, OFFSEASON, Ochiai Soup, Tokyo Japan, February
Ftarri, with Yuma Takeshita, Tokyo Japan, January
2022
Otooto, with Leo Okagawa, Toyko Japan, November
Botany Sour, with Toshimaru Nakamura, Pagtas, Tetuzi Akiyama, and Kuma-chan, November
Ftarri, with Takeshita Yuma, Tokyo Japan, October
Umai Deai, BushBash, Tokyo Japan, August
groovebox8000, ForestLimit, Tokyo Japan, May
Radiophrenia, Glasgow Scotland, February
2019
“Comfort Noise” with Emmett Methven, Evana Roman, Tony Smith, Family, Los Angeles, CA, September
“Sound, Poetry, and Radio Works inspired by the Universe”, Humankind Records “Il Mondo Nuovo”, Chiasso, Switzerland, May
“Sonic Comp for Richmond Food Clothing Resistance Collective”, Moreau, Richmond, VA April
2018
“Threads”, with Lushloss and Leanna Keith, 1412 Gallery, Seattle, WA, July
“Same as Ever”, with Makoto Ooshiro, Elico Suzuki, and Fuyama Yousuke, ForestLimit, Tokyo, Japan, May
Experimental Sound Performance, with Elico Suzuki, Sediment Arts, Richmond, VA, February
“You, if no one else”, Arlington Arts Center, Arlington, VA, January
2017
“Formosa International Filmmakers Festival”, Taichung, Taiwan, December
‘Radiophrenia 2017”, Glasgow, Scotland, November
OTOOTO, Tokyo, Japan, November
“Switzerland International Film Festival”, Aubonne, Switzerland, September
“Video Party 2017”, Lumen Gallery, Kyoto, Japan, August
“Tru Luv Hz”, Dakota Gallery, Bellingham, WA July
“BE as HAPPY as POSSIBLE”, Phinery, Vejby, Denmark, January
2016
“Onion Cake”, with James Mattise, Inlight at Studio 23, 1708 Gallery & Studio 23, Richmond, VA November
“It’s All Relative”, The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA October 2016 - June 2017
performance with Brandon Hurtado, Majestic 12, Richmond, VA, September
“KAKIAIKKO”, with Kazuya Yamaguchi, Trace Gallery, Kyoto, JAPAN, June
2015-2011
“Gravity Assist”, Sediment Arts, Tiger Strikes Asteroid, Art Basel Miami, FL December, 2015
“I don’t like the way you’re not looking at me.” with Janelle Proulx, Marisa Finos, Erika Diamond, Ruffin Gallery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA October, 2015
“In Gear”, The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA, August, 2015
“The All-Nighters”, with Emmett Methven, Sediment Arts, Richmond, VA, August, 2015
“Nocturne”, with Brandon Hurtado, 1708 Gallery & Community Room, Richmond, VA, July, 2015
“Open Studios”, Sediment Arts, Richmond, VA, June, 2015
“NoiseFest”, Strange Matter, Richmond, VA, May, 2015
“Play Touch Sexy Things” Participatory Artist Lecture, Society for Photographic Educators Northwest Conference, Bellingham, WA October, 2014
“Open Studios”, Studio 23, Richmond, VA, March, 2014
“Old Furnace Artist Residency Retrospective”, artWorks Gallery, Harrisonburg, VA, January, 2014
“I’ll be in Touch”, Gender Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University Fall Invitational, Richmond, VA November, 2013
“Cine Vis Cinema Film Festival” スタジオK, (Studio K), Tokyo, Japan, May, 2013
“Abstract Currents - MoMA PopRally”, MoMA, New York, NY, April, 2013
“John Cage Centennial Concert I”, Joel and Lila Harnett Museum of Art, Richmond, VA March, 2013
“Pin-ups”, Make.Shift, Bellingham, WA December, 2012
“5th Heaven”, Grace St. Artspace, Richmond, VA November, 2012
“Auto Tune”, Anderson Gallery, Richmond, VA, May, 2012
“Cine Vis Cinema Film Festival” スタジオK, (Studio K), Tokyo, Japan, October, 2011
“Milking the Void”, More Funner Gallery, Miami, FL, September, 2011
Visiting Artist Lecture, Western Washington University, May, 2011
“Seattle Erotic Art Festival”, Seattle, Washington, May, 2011
“Everyone, Everyone”, Manchester Flats, Richmond, Virginia, April, 2011
“Wicked Art Show”, Wicked Art Space, Orange County, California, February, 2011
“That’s Weird”, 1650 Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, January, 2011
“Coupling”, Gallery 110, Seattle, WA, February, 2011
2010-2005
“Girl, Please!”, juried group exhibit-Kristen Carter & Emanuel Aguilar, Chicago, Il, November - December 2010
Invitational, group video show, FAB Gallery, VCU, Richmond, VA, October 26 - 29, 2010
“You Want Some of This?”, juried group exhibit-Keith Boadwee, Corridor Gallery, Seattle, WA July 2010
“Playing with It”, collaborative exhibit, with Adam McRae, Forrest Perrine, Bellingham, WA May 2010
“Beyond Borders 2010”, juried group exhibit, Viking Union Gallery, Western Washington University,
Bellingham, WA May 2010
“Jeopardy 2010”, juried group exhibit, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA May 2010
“If I whisper, can you hear me?” with Junko Ohara, Village Books, Bellingham, WA January 2010
“Apart” with Tim Kenney, Bookfare Cafe, Village Books, Bellingham, WA November 2009
“Revelations of a Blue Jacket” with Tara Ward, Fremont Abbey Arts Center, Seattle, WA Sept 2009
“Where the River Meets the Sea” (exhibit & performance with Gaelan Sylvia), The Darkroom Gallery,
Bellingham, WA May 2009
“Code Orange” AIGA Orange County, Newport Beach, CA June 2007
“Collabo-installation”, with Tim Beardshear, Satomi Furukawa, Micheal Williams
Spurgeon Art Building, Santa Ana, CA, May 2007
“Code Orange” AIGA Orange County, Newport Beach, CA June 2006
“to my mother...” guerilla installation, CalState Fullerton, CA April 2005
Service
Board Member & Co-Curator, Sediment Arts, Richmond, VA 2015-2021
Technical Coordinator - Blacklight Film Series with Cody Huff & Natalie Kholhepp, Richmond, VA 2015-2017
Technical/Installation Assistant for Inlight 2014, 1708 Gallery, Richmond, VA 2014
Faculty Mentor for Undergraduate Research Grant - Science of Filmmaking, Richmond, VA 2014
Technical Coordinator - Studio 23 Film and Video Series with James Mattise, Richmond, VA 2013
Invited Judge - Virginia 4H and Adobe Youth Voices Film Festival, Richmond, VA, May 2012-2013
Invited Advisor - VCU Film Festival, Virginia Commonwealth University, Spring 2011
Invited Advisor - “No Movement” James River Film Festival, Richmond, VA, Spring 2011
Curation
Exhibition and event cycle, Sediment Arts, Richmond, VA 2022-2016
“To: Pluto”, Sediment Arts, Richmond, VA November 2015
“The Devil Made Me Do It”, Yellow Zone Gallery, Richmond, VA October 2014
“Body Dirt”, The Refrigerator Artspace, Richmond, VA November 2013
“Dark City”, The Refrigerator Artspace, Richmond, VA November 2012
“Teenage Dreamsicle”, The Refrigerator Artspace, Richmond, VA September 2012
Publications
Live at Otooto - split with Shojiki with Suzueri, limited release, artist audio cassette, edition of 50, 2017
Flashes of Light that We Can’t See, limited release, artist audio cassette, edition of 50, 2017
Phinery Records, 2017 Compilation
To: Pluto, Sediment Arts compilation, 2015
Naughty Bits, vol 2., participation session catalogue, 2014
Naughty Bits, participation session catalogue, 2014
Tour De Pollak, exhibition catalogue and essay, 2014
Playing With It, exhibition catalogue, 2011
Awards
Phi Kappa Phi Great Minds Award Nominee 2013
VMFA Professional Fellowship Award, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, VA 2012
Jury’s Pick, ”Beyond Borders”, Western Washington University, Washington, May 2010
Press
“It’s all Relative: Richmond Families (1616-2016), Grid, November 2016
“Valentine exhibit explores 400 years of relationships in Richmond”, Richmond Times Dispatch, 2016
“Change”, StyleWeekly, Richmond VA, July 2015
“Artist Spotlight: Dana Ollestad”, Studio 23 Artist Spotlight series, Richmond, VA 2014
“Cut. Print It.”, Style Weekly, Richmond, VA 2013
“Professor, grad start underground art gallery”, Commonwealth Times, Richmond, VA 2013
“The Refrigerator: A New Richmond Artspace”, Pulse, Richmond, VA 2012
“Couplings”, Gallery 110, Seattle Times Review, Seattle, WA February 2011
“The Darkroom” p18, Cascadia Weekly, Bellingham, WA May 2009