Jennifer A. Mezick

Baldwin was my professor, mentor, and academic advisor, and remains a significant influence on who I am. My family thought I was crazy to pursue a fine art degree. They (and I) didn't realize how much I would learn about history, psychology, philosophy, humanity, and living. Baldwin's work reflects all these dimensions and more. Caught in his still images are glimpses of lives lived, statements about society, beautiful compositions, and scenes that leave the viewer in awe while sometimes making us uncomfortable. I can't think of anything that more fully embodies the depth of human experience than these dynamics. And yet, the interview at the end of this book transports me back to undergrad, sitting in Baldwin's class, and I realize that I still have more to learn about life.