color me in
Artist Statement
I use color in my daily life as a form of self-expression. Growing up, I never understood why I was drawn to colorful things. I often would be asked, “what’s your favorite color?” and I always had a difficult time picking just one. I knew that I couldn’t express myself with just blue, or green, I wanted them all to be my favorite. Once I got a little older and began to come to terms with the fact that I was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I realized I felt deeply connected to the rainbow and what it symbolized. Color Me In was aimed at understanding how different colors energize me and then ultimately learning to communicate those feelings through film.
Color Me In is a grouping of eight short films about growing up as a part of the LGBTQ+ community and the process of coming to terms with my identity. This project was an extremely uncomfortable piece for me to work on and to allow the public to see, as I still struggles with accepting who I am. I constantly battle with feeling like I need to prove that I am a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Color Me In not only helped me feel heard by my community, but it has allowed me to grow in ways I didn’t even know were possible.
About
For my senior thesis, I directed, edited, and created a grouping of eight short films that utilize color theory to tell my personal experiences while coming out as a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Each film was shot in a specific color of the rainbow to highlight specific emotions that have shaped my identity today.
Team
Rohan Bandekar, Anna Sule, and Rachel DesFosses
Equipment
Canon 90D, Canon 80D, Zhiyun Gimbal, LED lighting kit, Rode Videomic Pro, DJI Mavic Air, Aperture MC
Programs
Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Audition
Final Project Report
featured in
co-mentoring research
Featured in Ryan Gibboney and Hannah Bellwoar's research titled, "Co-Mentoring and Design: An interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate capstone experiences."
Women in film and media film festival
Selected for Women in Film and Media film festival based out of Pittsburgh, PA.
reactions
I am at a loss for words. Truly unbelievable. As I am typing this, I have tears streaming down my face. Thank you for sharing your story and paving the way for the rest of us to find our true selves. I am honored to know you and to hear your story. You have no idea how much this means to me.
Tatum, your film was incredible. I hardly have the words. You deserve all the great things in your future. My mom watched the film with me and afterwards she got up and hugged me. We have never had a moment like that, so again, thank you.
Tatum. I'm so emotional holy crap. I had goosebumps for like 10 straight minutes. You're such an amazing person, thank you so so much for being so courageous and sharing your story. I'm so proud of you.
I know your opinion of yourself is what can get you down the most, but for what its worth I always thought you were so confident in yourself and that was so cool and it's easy to tell you're loved by so many people. I can't wait to see your next project.
Congratulations on the successful project. You've earned this opportunity to feel proud of yourself, as what you've accomplished is something not many would even try to attempt. I'm proud to say I shared classes with you.
What a powerful piece of art and truth. Silence and Fire sparked gratitude and courage. I wanted to be close enough to wrap you in a hug. Reflection stole my breath. Sunshine warmed my heart. The section on your relationship with God broke my heart. NO ONE should be made to doubt God's love. Thank you for sharing your journey with such vulnerability and courage.
I don't know you well at all but I am honestly so proud of you as a human being. You have always shined so bright and your art is more proof of that. You're a beautiful person inside and out and I am so so so happy for you.
I want you to know how unbelievably proud I am of you and how much I look up to you. The courage that took... I am speechless. Your story, your vulnerability, your heart and soul... they will change the world. They already have.
Tatum, thank you for sharing your amazing film. I'm so happy to see you growing into this amazing person and I'm so proud of you. I hope your story inspires many because you're an inspiration.
You have definitely set the tone for co-mentoring in the program. You might not realize it yet, but you have definitely inspired a whole generation of juniors and sophomores.
I thought your film was extremely powerful and creative. It's caused me to reflect back on different situations in my life that have shaped who I am today and I really appreciate that.
So good! I am so proud of you. Have a drink and eat some cake!!! It was beautiful. -Mom
I just watched your video, very impressed. Your voice sounds so different and you look like your older and more mature. -Dad