Curriculum Vitae
AREAS OF EXPERTISE (OVERVIEW)
• Analogue Photography
• Darkroom Photography
• Photography History and Theory
• Alternative Photographic Processes
• Experimental Photography
• Foundations of Studio Art/Studio Practice
• Drawing
• Painting
• Sculpture
• Ceramics
• Contemporary Art
• Art History and Visual Culture
STUDIO PRACTICE, FOUNDATIONS & TECHNICAL EXPERTISE (EXPANDED)
Over fifteen years of studio practice and interdisciplinary arts education with extensive experience in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, installation, fibre arts, photography and experimental image-making. Through cumulative education across diploma, certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and professional training, I have developed a broad understanding of studio foundations alongside specialized expertise in analogue photography and historical photographic processes.
Studio Foundations
Extensive practical and theoretical training in the fundamental elements and principles of art and design through studio-based education and professional practice.
Experience includes:
• Observational drawing
• Figure and gesture drawing
• Composition and visual organization
• Colour theory
• Design principles
• Two- and three-dimensional design
• Painting (acrylic, oil, gouache, watercolour)
• Sculpture and three-dimensional construction
• Ceramics and clay processes
• Fibre arts
• Installation practices
• Conceptual development
• Studio critique methodologies
• Visual analysis
• Art historical research
• Material investigation
• Process-based studio practice
Extensive experience developing technical and conceptual skills across multiple media through foundational studio education at Haliburton School of Art + Design, Brock University, Fleming College, Harvard University, and the University of Waterloo.
Analogue Photography
Over fifteen years of experience working with analogue photography, darkroom production, historical photographic processes, photographic history, and experimental image-making.
• Extensive experience using 35mm film cameras including exposure, composition, processing, and printing
• Medium format photography using Holga and Diana cameras
• Construction and use of experimental pinhole cameras
• Black and white film processing
• Enlarger operation and darkroom printing
• Exposure theory and photographic fundamentals
• Studio lighting fundamentals
• Camera operation and maintenance
Historical and Alternative Photographic Processes
• Cyanotype
• Lumen prints
• Anthotypes
• Van Dyke Brown printing
• Ambrotypes on glass
• Gum bichromate
• Photograms
• Phytograms
• SolarFast printing
• Digital negative production
• Photography on ceramic surfaces
• Photographic image transfers
• Plant-based developer
Darkroom, Studio and Safety Experience
• Approximately fifteen years of darkroom experience
• Former Darkroom Monitor, Brock University
• Black and white chemical processing
• Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Safe chemical handling procedures
• Multiple WHMIS certifications
• Experience supervising students in photographic processes
• Studio safety and equipment instruction
Ceramics Practice
• Wheel throwing and hand-building
• Surface decoration and glaze application
• Experimental photography on clay
• Ceramic image transfer
• Material testing and kiln experimentation
• Clay body and firing research
• Independent material research and process development
Advanced Study and Professional Development
• Experimental Photography on Clay, Harvard Ceramics Program, Harvard University (2025)
• Independent mentorship with Anne Eder (2024)
• Research and experimentation involving photographic image transfer on clay
• Development of multi-layer photographic printing processes utilizing SolarFast chemistry on paper, fabric, and ceramic surfaces
• Ongoing interdisciplinary studio research integrating photography, ceramics, sculpture, installation, and material inquiry
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Sessional Instructor
FINE 150 – Art Expression and Appreciation
University of Waterloo | 2024
Independently designed and delivered an undergraduate studio fundamentals course introducing students to art history, contemporary art practice, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, visual language, critique, and interdisciplinary experimentation.
Responsibilities included:
• Development of course syllabus
• Course scheduling and curriculum design
• Creation of assignments and assessment methods
• Delivery of lectures and demonstrations
• Facilitation of critiques
• Student mentoring
• Evaluation and grading
Student evaluations consistently highlighted:
• Supportive learning environment
• Encouragement of experimentation
• Clear instruction
• Effective critique facilitation
• Strong mentorship
Teaching Assistant
FINE 100 – Foundations in Visual Arts
University of Waterloo | 2023–2025
Worked alongside:
• Cora Cluett
• Tara Cooper
• Matthew Carver
• Doug Kirton
Supported instruction in:
• Design fundamentals
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Drawing
• Painting
Responsibilities included:
• Technical demonstrations
• Studio support
• Project development
• Assessment and grading
• Critique facilitation
• Student mentorship
Received an exemplary review of teaching assistance:
"Cree has the makings of an excellent pedagog—she is attentive to student needs, organized and highly competent. The students appreciated and respected her opinion."
Teaching Assistant
FINE 247 – Expanded Media: Interaction
University of Waterloo | 2024
Supported interdisciplinary media arts instruction involving:
• TouchDesigner
• Projection mapping
• Interactive media
• Installation practices
Responsibilities included:
• Technical support
• Critique facilitation
• Installation assistance
• Student mentorship
• Conceptual development
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant
Assistant to Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Art
University of Waterloo | 2024–Present
Research Assistant to Logan MacDonald on a SSHRC-funded project performing an environmental scan of Indigenous artists accessing archival collections across Canada.
Responsibilities include:
• Environmental scanning for indigenous material culture contained in collections
• Archival research
• Literature reviews
• Data collection and analysis
• Organizing and conducting interviews with institutions across Canada
• Institutional outreach
Field research conducted in the form of in-person interviews at:
• The Rooms, Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Museum, Yellowknife
Research focuses include:
• Indigenous visual culture
• Artist access to collections
• Decolonizing archival methodologies
• Museum and archive engagement
• Contemporary Indigenous art practices
Research & Post-Production Assistant
Timed Images (Documentary Film) | 2022
Conducted archival and copyright research for historical image use. Researched image provenance and coordinated permissions with archives, publishers, and cultural institutions. Prepared image credits, copyright documentation, and attribution records. Assisted with post-production coordination, editorial review, and project communications.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant
Assistant to Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Art
University of Waterloo
2024–Present
(Expanded explanation provided under Research Experience)
Gallery Monitor
Longhouse Labs
University of Waterloo
2025
Supported gallery operations and visitor engagement within an Indigenous-led research, exhibition, and community space. Assisted artists, researchers, visitors, and community members while supporting programming initiatives.
Gallery Coordinator
Niagara Artist Centre
2023
Worked closely with the Gallery Director to coordinate exhibitions, public programming, and special events across four gallery spaces, the NAC Show Mobile, and rooftop performance venue. Responsibilities included artist liaison and correspondence, exhibition scheduling, contract preparation, administrative support, marketing and communications, press release and website content development, archival documentation, exhibition installation, event preparation, and visitor engagement. Collaborated with artists, curators, preparators, and gallery staff to support the presentation of contemporary exhibitions while gaining extensive experience in artist-run centre operations, exhibition management, curatorial support, arts administration, and public programming.
Research & Post-Production Assistant
Timed Images (Documentary Film) | 2022
(Expanded explanation provided under Research Experience)
Gallery Monitor
Brock University
2021
Assisting Preparator with install and strike of exhibition, monitoring/tallying visitors, ensuring artwork is secure, answering exhibition questions, booking exhibition visits as per Brock University’s pandemic protocols, overseeing proper distancing and use of PPE is in effect for all visitors.
Student Assistant
Department of Visual Arts
Brock University
2019–2021
Offering various supports to the Visual Art Department’s Facilities Technician and Media Coordinator, including creating digital content, thoroughly cataloguing/adding new inventory (as well as assembling assets when applicable) and offering technical support to staff and students. Documented exhibitions virtually in the VISA gallery, creating virtual tours and producing library web pages with programming information and high-quality images.
Student Monitor (Darkroom)
Department of Visual Arts
Brock University
2019–2020
Assisted students with analogue procedures in the darkroom such as loading/unloading and processing film, mixing chemistry and adjusting, and troubleshooting operation of enlargers.
Volunteer Production Assistant
48V Media
2020
Assisted in professional audio and video productions, conducted maintenance on production equipment, post-produced digital media content.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & SPECIALIZED TRAINING
Fundamentals of University Teaching Certificate
Centre for Teaching Excellence, University of Waterloo | 2023
Completed the University of Waterloo's Fundamentals of University Teaching Certificate, focusing on evidence-informed teaching practices in higher education. Professional development included course design, constructive alignment, assessment strategies, inclusive and student-centred pedagogy, active learning, classroom facilitation, reflective teaching practice, and the development of effective learning environments for diverse student populations.
Internship with Anne Eder
Lowell, Massachusetts | 2024
Recipient of the Keith and Winifred Shantz Internship, supporting an independent mentorship with artist and educator Anne Eder, faculty at the Penumbra Foundation, a lecturer at Lewis Center for the Arts and Princeton and an instructor at Harvard University. She is an interdisciplinary artist who exhibits, teaches, and participates in panels internationally. Through this mentorship I expanded my research in experimental photography and ceramic image-making while assisting with studio production, workshops, public programming, and large-scale installations.
Conducted advanced research and technical development in:
• Photography on clay and porcelain
• Historical photographic processes
• Experimental image transfer methods
• Alternative photographic chemistry
• Digital negatives and multi-layer printing systems
• Material testing and process development through studio experimentation
The internship culminated in a public presentation at the University of Waterloo discussing the research, methodologies, and technical discoveries developed throughout the mentorship.
Experimental Photography on Clay
Harvard Ceramics Program, Harvard University | 2024
Completed advanced study in experimental photographic processes on ceramic surfaces through an international research cohort. Conducted independent investigations into various photographic processes on clay, material testing, surface preparation, firing variables, and photographic chemistry while contributing to collaborative discussions surrounding process development and technical outcomes.
Alternative Process Academy
Completed specialized professional development in historical and contemporary alternative photographic processes, expanding technical expertise in analogue photography, historical printing methods, photographic chemistry, and experimental image-making. Continued developing knowledge of process-based photography through independent research, demonstrations, and advanced technical workshops that complement my interdisciplinary studio practice and teaching.
EDUCATION
Master of Fine Arts
University of Waterloo | 2025
Ceramics Certificate
Haliburton School of Art + Design / Fleming College | 2021
Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Studio Art
Minor in History of Art and Visual Culture
Brock University | 2021
Photo Arts Certificate
Haliburton School of Art + Design / Fleming College | 2012
Visual and Creative Arts Diploma
Haliburton School of Art + Design / Fleming College | 2012
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
In any way I can
University of Waterloo Art Gallery (UWAG)
2025
(A)part
Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts
Brock University
2021
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Mighty Niagara Film Fest
Niagara Artis Centre, St Catharines
2025
UNTAPPED
Artist Project, Toronto Convention Centre
2025
(On)going
The Artery, University of Waterloo
2024
Brock Faculty and Alumni Exhibition
13th Street Gallery
2023
Revisiting
The Artery, University of Waterloo
2023
Femme Folks Fest
Open Air Display, Waterloo Region
2022
Small Feats
Niagara Artist Centre
2022
Unending Pathway
In the Soil Arts Festival
2022
Wrap It Up
Haliburton School of Art + Design
2021
Unprecedented
Brock University
2020
Art Blocks
Brock University
2019
Art Speaks
Niagara Artist Centre
2019
An Instrument of Colour
Brock University
2019
Brock Art Collective Exhibition
Mahtay Café
2019
Small Feats
Niagara Artist Centre
2018
Process 29
Rails End Gallery
2012
Portfolio Exhibition
Rails End Gallery
2011
PUBLICATIONS, FEATURES AND MEDIA
The Grandparents Project
Published photographic work
Photo Trouvée Magazine
Artist Profile
In the Soil Arts Festival
Curated by Bart Gazzola
2022
Treasured/(A)part
Featured artist profile
Brock University
2021
Fine and Performing Arts Graduates Poised to Shape the Future with Creative Skills
Featured Graduate
Brock University
2021
Master of Fine Arts Thesis Documentation
University of Waterloo Institutional Repository
2025
UNTAPPED Emerging Artist
Artist Project Toronto
2025
PRESENTATIONS AND ARTIST TALKS
Keith and Winifred Shantz Internship Presentation
University of Waterloo
2024
AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND DISTINCTIONS
Keith and Winifred Shantz Scholarship
University of Waterloo
2021
Distinguished Graduating Student Award
Brock University
2021
Terry and Sue White Humanities Scholarship
2021
Senior Scholarship in Visual Arts
2019
Senior Scholarship in Visual Arts
2020
Gertrude Millward Book Prize
2019
Natale-Campbell Bursary
2020
Dean's Honour List
2018–2020
Outstanding Emerging Artist Award
Haliburton School of Art + Design
2012
Outstanding Emerging Artist Award
Haliburton School of Art + Design
2011
SERVICE AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member
Niagara Artist Centre
2017–Present
Member
Hamilton Artists Inc.
2021–Present
ADDITIONAL STUDIO EXPERTISE
Technical Skills
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Lightroom
• Digital image preparation
• Digital negative production
• Resizing/Retouching/Editing digital images
• Exhibition preparation
• Installation techniques
• Collection handling procedures