By Jane Donahue
For Sun-Times Media
June 20, 2014 3:28PM
Claudia Frost, 65, of St. Charles, was recognized during a 2014 American Association of University Women competition along with five other winners from around the country for her digital photograph “Epiphany.†| Courtesy of Natalie Franck
In her words
Claudia Frost says the three words that describe here are:
Intrepid
Endearing
Accomplished
Updated: June 20, 2014 5:34PM
When Claudia Frost retired, the St. Charles resident got down to business. A former public relations director and teacher, the 65-year-old added artist and photographer to her resume.
“I’m not sure I ever retired in a traditional sense,” Frost said. “Retirement just means switching gears, re-invention, and more quality time for friendships, family and meaningful pursuits. It also means more time allotted for maintaining good health and intellectual and artistic abilities.”
Frost first picked up a camera at age 7, and her interest in photography grew from there.
She graduated from Iowa State University with degrees in journalism and English, and then pursued what she describes as a “non-linear career path.”
“My career path has been dictated by how much I could comfortably juggle the children’s needs, home responsibilities and available time for outside interests,” Frost said. “I discovered digital fine art photography and am able to use my creativity, learn new technical skills and still have time for community volunteer activities, family events and outings.”
She also studies fine art digital photography at Elgin Community College and the College of DuPage.
“It’s like painting in a darkroom/art studio to achieve delightful surprises,” Frost said. “My hope is that viewers will not only see the trees and landscapes, but that they will feel them emotionally as well. The beauty of nature is so close to all of us that sometimes we walk right by without noticing.”
Frost recently earned national attention in the 2014 American Association of University Women competition for female artists. She was recognized along with five other winners from around the country for her digital photograph “Epiphany.”
Glynn Wade, of the AAUW Batavia-Geneva-St. Charles chapter where Frost is a member, calls her an “ambassador to the arts and area artists.”
“She continually brings art-related events in the greater Fox Valley to our members’ attention,” Wade said. “We are very proud her work was chosen from entries all over the country. It has brought honor and recognition to our local branch as well as to Claudia.”
Selections of Frost’s work are on display through June at Batavia Public Library and at Smitty’s on the Corner in St. Charles through Labor Day.
Her five questions are:
1. What is it about photography that you enjoy most?
“I enjoy discovering beautiful moments when the light does magical things that evokes an emotion in me. … I like being behind the scenes as a spectator, and I like composing the story.”
2. Do you have a photographer that you look up to or who inspires you?
“My favorites are Brooke Shaden at brookeshaden.com, Sarah Gardner at http://sarahgardnerphotography.blogspot.com, Michael Barton http://michaelbartonart.com, Brad Pogatetz at www.bradpogatetz.com/ (both local artists). I also greatly admire my photography instructors: at ECC, Claire St. John and Travis Linville, and Jeff Curto at COD.
3. Do you have a favorite subject you enjoy shooting over another?
“I enjoy shooting the natural world and juxtaposing the images to create an imaginary but realistic image. I love color and delicacy — flowers, still lives, textures. I also enjoy architectural elements.”
4. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
“My husband and I go to a lot of films, ride bikes, read and watch the Blackhawks games. I like gardening, cooking, knitting, swimming and enjoying educational events at the local libraries and history museums. Of course, we dote on our lovely teenage granddaughter who is an accomplished dancer — lots of dance recitals through the years.”
5. Regarding “Epiphany,” did you know you had something special when you took the image?
“I liked how the poppy turned out and felt it would be appropriate to enter in the contest several months later after I had played with the image. I had no idea it would win such an honor. I did it because I liked it. The petals are so paperlike and fragile. Eloquent. They are a big treat when they bloom every year. I’m glad the members liked it.”