Heidi Thompson, Selfportrait

In 1982, I returned from Europe to my hometown. Here I established a commercial photography studio in downtown Vernon. I specialized in portraiture, reproductions, artist promotional photographs, fashion, weddings, and brochure advertising. I also operated a colour and black & white developing lab, doing all my own processing.

While building up this photography business, I did several artistic projects both in photogaphy and painting. In 1983 I received a B.C. Cultural grant to photograph BC artists and their work. These photographs were then exhibited in Vancouver, Vernon, Kelowna and Grandforks. I also started a publishing company, COLDSTREAM BOOKS. Two projects were Little Bear Book A writing and drawing journal for very young children and an art book entitled RECAPITULATION based on the life of SVEVA CAETANI. While publishing, I learned about layouts, printing, editing, marketing and design.

Since 1997 I have also been involved in writing and developing a feature film based on Sveva Caetani's life story. In 1999 I optioned the screenplay to a Vancouver producer. For this purpose, I attended several script writing workshops and Film Trade Forums in Vancouver. I am very interested in this side of photography, and am learning as much as I can about digital filming, editing, production, cinematography and directing.

For one year I also was employed as the manager for the Rendezvous--a 150-seat Dine & Dance restaurant. I organized several art exhibitions, dinner theatre, concerts and a bridal fair. Being married to a guitar maker has also given me the opportunity to work with wood and metal, marketing, and in general help run the company with my husband. I have had 20 years of business experience.

VOLUNTEER & TEACHING WORK
From 1990-1997 I volunteered as a counsellor at summer camps for children in the USA. During these years I also developed and taught a program called: Advanced Attention Development (AAD). I taught AAD in Vancouver and Vernon public and private schools and to adults suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder. I am very interested in this wide spread problem, and found this program to be very beneficial.

Over the years I have also taught many art and photography classes at the Vernon Arts Center, Kelowna and Vernon Art galleries and for Okanagan University College night school. These experiences were very positive, and are why I now want to pursue a career in teaching. To accomplish this, I went back to finish my BFA Degree in 2000=2001 through B.C. Open University. In 2001, I was accepted into Uvic's Post Degree Professional Program for teaching grades 8,9,10,11 & 12. I am presently doing my practicum with Jim Wiebe (Fine Art) and Wayne Emde (Photography) at Vernon Secondary School. I will be finished in June 2002 and be qualified to teach art and photography in B.C. Secondary Schools.