This artist recently was introduced to me in one of my classes. I am currently doing a piece inspired by his work...more to come. Check out some of his images on his website! 
http://stephenshore.net/index.php

Recently I visited The CAC: Contemporary Art Center, in downtown Cincinnati. The DAAP MFA students have their final thesis work on the second floor of the CAC. It will be up until April 10th. The work was very inspiring and eye opening. Two of my favorite pieces were a woven rope wall piece (left) and a large wood installation (right). Both pieces were large in scale and carried a presence. They were incredible. They journey the students traveled to reach this point showed in every piece. One of my favorite concepts in the exhibition was about photoshop and digital imaging taking over the human figure. Software's capabilities are endless when it comes to fixing the flaws on a figure. 'Flaws' being the beauties-- the unique traits of each individual shape. Overall it was a great show and I highly recommend checking it out!
CAC Address: 44 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
http://www.contemporaryartscenter.org/calendar/2016/03/28/university-of-cincinnati-daap-mfa-thesis-show

Last week I had the opportunity to interview artist Kim Krause. A very knowledgable well-know/developed artist located here in Cincinnati. He is on the academic board for the Art Academy. He shared fantastic insight about his experiences prior to where he is now, as well as significant advice for  young artists. He repeated, keep creating. Try not to get wrapped up. As artists we need to be selfish. We need to set aside time and create, read, find ourselves, and really explore. We need to be selfish. We need time for ourselves. He made all of these eye-opening points. I never used the word selfish in my art practice, but honestly its true. Staying humble is a quality all artists should stay true to. Thank you Kim for the insightful conversation and meaningful words. Please check out his site, he is an amazing artist and person. ​http://www.kimkrauseartist.com/

Today, in one of my classes we had a speaker come in, Andrew Higley. He is a musician and photographer. He discussed some basic lighting tips for documenting work, then he started talking about his experience in DAAP to where he is now. 
I really enjoyed hearing his story, because I could relate to it in many ways. I am concentrating in photography and often deal with the conceptual aspect of my work. I am a formal photographer. Photography gives me a new outlook. I don't take pictures for a huge underlying concept, but simply because I am indulged in the results of a camera and the experimentation I get with the technology of a camera.
Andrew described his experience in DAAP that sounded very similar to my experience above. Andrew is very successful and doesn't feel the urge to always showcase his work in gallery spaces. I agree. I don't see my work fitting in a gallery either. I am much more interested in the formal qualities photographs can offer. 
http://www.abhigley.com

Recently I have been studying building's forms. The raw edge contrasting to the bright, natural, blue color of the sky. Architecture has always been an interest of mine, but in a more intimate way-- showcasing only details of the architecture. Now, I am experimenting with the building as a whole, but still composing it in a beautiful way. http://www.rachellwoodard.com/cincinnati.html

Alberta Pane Gallery's cube at the The Armory Show in New York was one of my favorites. Alberta Pane gallery is located in Paris, France. They showcased artist, Esther Stocker's work in New York this past weekend. There were several large black and white acrylic paintings and large crumpled paper balls 'thrown' throughout the space. I felt this sense of youth in the cube. It reminded me of passing notes in high school to one another, throwing them across the room before the teacher noticed.
https://www.thearmoryshow.com/
http://www.galeriealbertapane.com