Personal Bio 

 I am 18 years old and currently a junior at Loma Linda Academy. After high school I hope to pursue higher education at either the University of California San Diego or Pepperdine University, majoring in either marine biology or pre-med. My main passion in life is music. I play the guitar, piano, and trumpet. I also enjoy action sports including skateboarding, long boarding, surfing, snowboarding, and wake boarding. Hanging out with friends and having a good time is quite enjoyable. I enjoy comedy and I am sometimes a smart aleck to the rest of my friends. However, I enjoy the life of California and the memories made here.

Artist Statement

My name is Matthew Kim, I have chosen to do my photojournalism project on skateboarding. Skateboarding has been such an influential part of my life. It has effected the way I act, the way I dress, and the way I view my surroundings. I believe skateboarding is a sport that everyone should try. My friend, Michael Sutherland, an avid skateboarder, enthusiastically agreed to be the subject of my photo essay. He is depicted skating, whether it is over something or on something. 

Michael is very passionate about his sport. I recorded the intimacy between him and his skateboard. I tried capturing the necessity for both to coexist. Some of the artistry that was involved was shadows. The majority of the pictures are pictures that show contrast of the shadow and the subject. However, I guess most would qualify as light photos (i.e. backlighting, front lighting, and side lighting). 

Unfortunately, skateboarders are known through infamy. They are viewed as rebels and rejects from society. However, most skateboarders are quite kind and nice. The art of skateboarding is considered a hobby, just as stamp collecting would be. I hope that the projected audience will either view skateboarding as an interesting hobby or as an opportunity to try something new.

6 Word Bio

Melody will change, tempo will remain

Photoessay