6 Questions for Our Summer Intern, Lizi Cleary!

Meet Blue Sky’s Summer 2022 Intern, Lizi Cleary

Where did you grow up and what did you do before coming to Oregon?

I grew up in Colorado Springs, CO, and attended college at Adams State University in the small-town Alamosa, CO (right next to Great Sand Dunes National Park). I double-majored in History and Spanish and played for the women's soccer team. After graduation, I had a plethora of different jobs: as a barista at Starbucks, a teller at a local credit union, and as an AmeriCorps member in Forest Grove School District to name a few. Last year, I returned to school to earn a master’s degree in art history at the University of Oregon. I live in the small town of Turner (just south of Salem) with my partner and our two cats: a tortie named Boots and a grey tabby named Floyd. And Boots does, in fact, have little white boots!

What you’re studying in grad school?

At the University of Oregon, I study primarily modern avant-garde photography in Europe and Latin America. My thesis centers around Hungarian-Mexican photographer Kati Horna, who is known for her documentary photography and creation of propaganda materials for the CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo) and FAI (Federación Anarquista Ibérica) during the Spanish Civil War. Through a series of photomontages created by Horna for the anarchist journal Umbral, my thesis examines the intersection of documentary photography, the avant-garde, and Republican propaganda.

Who is a favorite artist (aside from Kati Horna!)?

It is so difficult to pick a favorite artist, but I have always loved the photography of Francesca Woodman. She balances opposites in imaginative and effective ways within her self-portraits. They are mysterious and haunting but also strangely invite the viewer in. In many, Woodman's body and face are blurred and obscured to create a sense of both stagnancy and movement. They are intimate and yet distanced. In her photography, Woodman gingerly walks between and within opposites.

How do you like to spend your days off?

In my free time, I practice (and occasionally teach) yoga. I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and visiting the beach. And, of course, I enjoy curling up with my cats and reading a fiction or mystery book.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

There are so many places that I would like to travel to. At the top of my list would be to visit the sunny Mediterranean: Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey.

What do you hope to learn about your summer at Blue Sky Gallery and what is your favorite thing about being here so far?

My favorite thing about Blue Sky so far is the support from the staff and the wide array of projects that I get to work on. Since starting in June, I have already had the opportunity to archive previous exhibitions, assist in preparations for installation and deinstallation of the exhibits, and attend curatorial meetings. It is so exciting to be able to have a hand in so many different aspects of the gallery. Moreover, the staff at Blue Sky has been welcoming, kind, and helpful. I'm excited to be a part of the Blue Sky community!