Maria Clara Dantas

Right out of high school I got into a Medical school. I studied there for 2 long years, even though I hated it all along. I've developed depression and anxiety and, within these years, my mental illness grew stronger. I put my life at risk a few times. I didn't want to live anymore. But, somehow, I got into a photography course and fell in love. Photography saved my life. Eventually I quit Medicine and started rehabilitating my life around art. I got into Columbia College Chicago with a presidential scholarship for my photography portfolio. I never stopped investing in photography but now I divide my attention with short films, animations and drawing. Today I also teach analog photography in the same Brazilian photography school that introduced me to this new life, they're called Candela Institute. I finally understand what it means to be in love with what you do, and give yourself entirely to art, and I'm so happy.

I've studied photography in Candela Photography Institute in Recife - Pe, Brazil and am studying visual arts in Columbia College Chicago