Soaring High: Amber Carpenter’s Journey from Air Force ‘Brat’ to VCUarts Trailblazer

By Leila Ugincius

Having been raised in an Air Force household, Amber Carpenter experienced living in various places worldwide — such as Germany, Japan, and Hawaii — and moved nearly every year of her life. It wasn’t until she enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2017 to pursue photography and film in the School of the Arts that she found a stable place.

Richmond remains her home. “And I never wish to leave,” she remarked.

Upon earning her bachelor’s degree in 2021 — during the peak of COVID, which disrupted her initial plans — Carpenter was uncertain about her future direction. Her mother, a veteran elementary school teacher with 20 years of experience, recommended that she combine her artistic interests with education.

“That’s when I decided to return to academia for art education,” stated Carpenter, who graduated in December with a second bachelor’s degree from VCUarts. “Having already pursued my first degree in photography and film, I felt at ease within the learning environment at VCU. I was familiar with many art education majors and had confidence that I would receive an exceptional education. Now being a resident of Richmond, commuting to school was incredibly convenient, as it was within walking distance.”

Additionally, she had developed connections with multiple professors at VCUarts, including Sarah Midkiff, an assistant professor specializing in photography and film.

Midkiff “was a very influential figure during my first four years at VCU,” Carpenter shared. “She was always eager to assist, listen, and comprehensively educate me on every photographic technique. She greatly impacted my enthusiasm for alternative processes like cyanotypes and wet plates. I frequently reflect on Sarah’s classes – her patience, expertise, and insights.”

Carpenter aspires to impart those same attributes to her own students, and she has already found student teaching to be enlightening. She also appreciated how the program facilitated collaboration with fellow educators and like-minded future teachers, such as her fellow art education student Jordan Blake.

“His unwavering confidence, humor, and guidance have helped me navigate the art education program. I feel fortunate to have established a connection with him, all thanks to the art ed program,” Carpenter expressed.

She also enjoyed her involvement with the student-operated Ink magazine – she contributed photography for its annual print edition on two occasions – and creating a brief Halloween film using a Super 8 camera for an art foundation film class.

“We personally developed the film, and a classmate projected it,” Carpenter stated. “It was an incredibly enjoyable and distinctive experience,” she added.

Looking forward, Carpenter has several job interviews scheduled at public schools throughout the Richmond region.

“It would be amazing to teach young learners in this area and spark creativity, perhaps even cultivating future art educators,” she said. “I intend to remain in Richmond, as I have built strong bonds with my friends and fellow artists from VCU.”