Jessica Hays

Photography MFA '23

“I have developed my voice as an artist, intensively focused on my work more than ever before,” says the recent recipient of an MFA in Photography.

What would you say has been the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia? 

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed working with video and integrating it into my practice. I went into the video-based class with Colleen Plumb not expecting to find it applicable to my work but instead learned skills geared towards my goals as an artist that helped me create new and even more engaging pieces. 

What individuals or programs at Columbia were helpful to you in reaching your goal of graduating? 

One of the most pivotal experiences in my time at Columbia was taking an Image and Text Class with Professor Kelli Connell my first semester. This class cemented my work as a book artist in addition to being a photographer and encouraged me to explore integrating images and written text in new ways. I consider writing an even more vital part of my practice now. The Weisman Award program was also incredibly beneficial to my development as an artist, supporting projects I worked on through my education and connecting me with mentors.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I will be sticking around Chicago for a little while until I go to Alaska for a Fellowship in July and August. After that, I have many applications in progress and leads on a variety of opportunities. What comes next will be a surprise!

If you were going to sum up your experience at Columbia in one sentence, what would you say?

I have developed my voice as an artist, intensively focused on my work more than ever before, made great strides in my artistic practice, and met the most amazing people in the form of colleagues, mentors, and professional contacts.