JPNA Artist Statement

As I began to put together my photograph essay in regards to the JPNA service area, I began to develop into being a more cultured citizen in general from my personal experiences while working on my JPNA service photo essay. I learned many unique and interesting things not only about the Johnsons’ Park Neighborhood but also inner city Milwaukee as well. I also got a general sense of the kind of people that live, work, and volunteer in and around Johnsons’ Park Neighborhood. Lastly I received a greater understanding of my own camera as instrument of investigation through the process of putting together this Photo Essay.

How I put together my Photo essay was by first doing a little research on the Johnson’s’ Park Neighborhood association website to get a feel and understanding for the neighborhood. Then I proceeded to take a trip down to Johnsons’ Park Neighborhood to observe and explore the area after or meeting with George Lewis. Our meeting with George Lewis also gave me some valuable information about the Neighborhood in that I didn’t have before I went. I then took the information I had gathered and digested it before I proceeded on my second trip to take pictures.

To be completely honest I was unsure of what to expect out of Johnsons’ Park before I took my trip down there as I had never been there before and also because I heard it was not one of the best neighborhoods in Milwaukee. But I have to say that it was one of the most unique and interesting neighborhoods I have ever been to. I had never seen brand new housing that was built in the inner city before let alone such nice housing. The neighborhood also seemed like a relatively peaceful as well where as a couple blocks away did not seem like the best place to be, this in and of its self speaks to Milwaukee’s unique nature.

Even though I did not see to many people walking around Johnson’s’ Park Neighborhood I sill got a sense of the kind of people who lived in and around this neighborhood. I could tell that these people took great pride in their neighborhood and that they were general close to one another. They also seemed like very clean people because ever single home was well groomed and well kept. They also seem to like small business owners as well since I didn’t see one single large chain store in the area; they like to keep their money in their community.

All in all this entire photo essay project helped me have a greater understanding about Johnson’s’ Park Neighborhood and the people who live there and should be a good base for me to start my final media literacy project.