Designer Plus
July 29, 2008 | 
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“I’m just a designer” are the words with which Craig Decker began our interview for Colorado Springs Record+. Our readers need to know that Craig Decker, web designer extraordinaire for the Web Services Division of IT at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, has the unique ability to create images from “seeing” other people’s words. And he does it with ease and speed.
Craig and his cracker-jack team of IT designers have a unique mission within the Web Services Division of UCCS. They create a visual space within which the colleges, departments, labs, and specific divisions of the university become uniquely visible to the public. They bring the essence of these entities to life through the design of each organization’s web page.
Craig’s background in fine arts, sculpture, painting, clay, and papermaking adds a unique dimension to the quality of his designs. He agrees that his degree in computer graphics with a fine arts component has allowed him to mastermind several unique concepts for UCCS. (See illustrations with this review.)
Craig likes “to make things look cool”. His most concentrated project at this time is one that involves multi-layers of technology immersion. Thanks to Craig’s talent, the up-and-coming UCCS radio website will allow the listener and reader the ability “to do it all” from accessing program archives, emailing specific DJs, posting comments, linking to Face Book, exploring archived podcasts after the shows, and always, experiencing a dynamic visual that captures the essence of what each program is about. When UCCS Radio.edu debuts on the UCCS website, it will be due to Craig’s masterful ability with technology, graphic technique, and creative insight.
When Craig and his soccer buddy Luis (you may call him “Playah” if you say it with respect), agreed to become UCCS Internet radio reporters, their excitement level rose dramatically in proportion to the responses they received from their listeners. From the first program on, there was no stopping Craig and “Playah” as they commented on international games, critiqued local ones, and shared ideas about how soccer should soon become a credible sport among elementary and high-school sportistas. Both Craig and Luis coach local Colorado Springs teams, ranging from the UCCS Women’s Soccer Team, to elementary and high schools throughout the city.
Craig’s passion for developing an outstanding design has metamorphosed into a passion for teaching young soccer enthusiasts. He has shepherded the “U6” (under six years of age) as they learn to kick, pass and move the ball. With the “U12” students (included here is his daughter) the under12-year-olds begin more competitive technical strategies. Craig shared his enthusiasm about the primary group of three-year olds who simply “run after the ball”. Craig stressed that there is always room for one more member, either in the learner ranks or the sponsor ranks. Any persons interested in becoming part of the team should visit his website for further details.
This having been said, Craig’s crack IT graphic design team and his dynamic home team with wife Christy, children Remy (3), Gaboric (5) and Mazzy (11), allow him to express his love of family, his joy in his work, and his dynamic connection people development. The Decker family’s family St. Bernard and Mastiff help to keep things hopping as well. If CSR+ readers want to learn more about Craig Decker’s talent with the visual, check out his UCCS website configurations or, even better, ask him in person when you see him at a soccer game. Part of his legacy is sharing what he knows with that special Decker verve.
ibsoccer.com uccs.edu
- M
Working At It One Frame at a Time
June 29, 2008 | Email This Post
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Ric Helstrom is an army brat who was at the right place at the right time. He admits it. He is proud to say that he fell into photography one day when he “did not have anything better to do.” That was the day he accompanied his dad to the base photo lab just to pass the time. Once in the dark room, he experienced the magic that took place when invisible images began to appear in the solution, and he was hooked. From that instant, Ric Helstrom knew what he would be doing for the rest of his life. That rest-of-his-life passion gave him access to photographic opportunities throughout the world.
Ric’s skill with a camera earned him stripes as a high school yearbook photographer, a Washington D.C. photo expert, and facilitated his entry into the prestigious degree program at Brooks Institute, Santa Barbara, where he learned “the business of photography.”
“Teachers were really tough,” Ric recalls. Within the first year general curriculum, and the second year of portrait photography and commercial-product program (Ric excelled in both) he discovered that his ability to work independently and in tandem with a team allowed him a rich variety of photographic options.
Upon graduation, the job market took him to Montana, El Paso, and Colorado Springs. In addition to commercial promotions, he discovered how food photography is more than setting a succulent dish and snapping a photo of it straightaway. “It’s more like freeze it, torch it, and pray.” He has the highest regard for food photographers, for so many reasons. CSR+ has not included his menu promotion for a national restaurant chain but can assure our readers that it is unique.
Ric defines himself as a freelance photographer, graphic designer, and ad man in one. He is as comfortable working on a brochure for a fishing lodge in Alaska (“one of the best I ever created, actually”) as he is designing a magazine layout. His passion, however, is fine art photography. It allows him to push the envelope and push himself even further.
“My next piece will always be my favorite,” because it’s another step toward quality and excellence. “I’ve always been able to visualize. It’s so clear. It’s right there. I can basically take an idea in my head and produce what I have in my head.”
Visitors to Helstrom Studios can view the fine art photography that Ric has created over his career. Among his most compelling pieces is a photo of what at first seems a varied Egyptian landscape. (It was featured on PBS.) With Ric’ explanation, however, one can see that it is actually a composite of twelve different images: a pyramid, the Nile at sunset, a tomb wall, the golden mask of King Tut, silhouette of trees at the river, the eye of Horus, a scarab beetle (symbol of eternity) and a female figure, all providing glimpses of the rich tapestry of the land of the pharaohs.
Another of Ric’s favorites is “Digital Warrior”: a circuit board intertwined with the portrait of a Native American. His tribute to those lost in the September 11th, 2001 bombing is entitled “After the Smoke Clears.” It, too, is a composite of Ric’s unique images of isolation and expectation.
When CSR+ asked Ric how he plans to spend time developing his art network even further, he shared his next phase of projects with us. A veteran teacher of graphic design at PPCC, he has been invited to teach within the Visual and Performing Arts program at UCCS in Spring 2009. To reach a larger audience of students and meld elements of photography with graphic design will allow him to “push many more envelopes and reach many more eyes.”
Ric’s work has been displayed at the Craftwood Inn, the Hayden Hayes Gallery, and the Business of Arts Center in Colorado Springs. However, readers interested in learning more about the history of his pieces should call him at the studio on 2506 Robinson. Ric will invite those interested to explore the world of photographic art. Become a patron, or one of the hundreds of clients whom Ric has showcased via individualized business cards. You may just find that he has captured the essence of who you are and what you want your business to become. At a time when we are exploring our “staycation” options, Ric Helstrom’s studio is the perfect place to begin.
Helstrom Studios
1506 Robinson
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904
719-473-3620
Reaching for the Stars
April 30, 2008 | Email This Post
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The Fifth Annual Colorado Springs Undergraduate Research Forum, a venue that celebrates college students’ academic work within the area of Letters Arts and Sciences, made a galactic impression on the community scene on April 12th at the United States Air Force Academy Fairchild Hall. Students from UCCS, Colorado College, and the United Stated Air Force Academy took center stage as recipients of an invitation from their mentor/professors who deemed their work worthy of a larger audience.
The journey from nominee to actual participant was not a walk in the park. The selection process began in fall, 2007, when students submitted proposals for consideration in many disciplines. A committee of university faculty reviewed the proposals and selected what they considered to be the best examples of academic research from each college. UCCS students joined their peers from Colorado College and the United States Air Force Academy exhibiting their work in poster sessions, oral sessions, and gallery entries.
Margie Teals-Davis (see Colorado Springs Record+ special article in this issue) spearheaded the UCCS involvement from start to finish. “I’m busy this month,” Margie told us. “Not too much time to sleep since we are coming down to the wire.”
Early-morning sessions ranged from political economy, terrorism and executive privilege, the functioning of the brain, to the artist and his influences on society. Undergraduate talent was palpable and visible in the halls and during the poster session from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, as students displayed and explained their studies from biology, chemistry, psychology, geography, virtual communication, physics, and kinesthetic activity.
The gallery connecting oral and poster sessions to afternoon oral sessions housed contributions in sculpture, painting, and more. Each artist in the gallery provided an overview of how s/he came to create the work, its construction, and personal as well as communal significance. The Air Force Academy’s venue provided a rich backdrop of immaculate glass windows, splendid mountain views, and a pristine blue sky to complement the art works.
United States Air Force cadets regaled the participants with song during the lunch break, and the afternoon oral sessions provided additional food for thought with topics such as waves of ideas, literary conflicts and deaths, crime and punishment, South American realities, women, the military, and society, forming leaders, and physics and chemistry.
Colorado Springs Record+ wishes to commend the undergraduate students who chose to take a risk and submit their work for public view. We also salute the mentor-faculty who took the time to shepherd these students through the process. Once again, members of the academy, wherever they teach, continue to pass the torch to those who will follow in the footsteps of scholars who have made their passion for thinking about academic+community involvement a household word in Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs Record+ was honored to have been a part of this most prestigious academic endeavor.
- M
A Colorado Springs Legend in Progress
March 31, 2008 | Email This Post
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Martin Troy, Assistant Manager of Jack Quinn Alehouse and Irish Pub, is not your average restaurateur. He is a combination of regular guy, organizer, initiator, and man about town who understands what his clientele wants and how to give it to them. When you walk into Jack Quinn Irish Alehouse & Pub establishment on 21 South Tejon Street in Colorado Springs, you will see the results of Martin’s organization, class, and attention to ambiance.
Martin and his crew have prepared a truly Irish style celebration for Quinn’s 10th anniversary, which just happens to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day. Preparations have been made to create the best Irish bash ever. The Quinn “family”, among them local fire fighters, young professionals, college students, and members of the military, make this unique Irish Pub their exclusive meeting place and watering hole. Here are the reasons why.
First and foremost, Martin ensures that Quinn’s Irish fare is authentic. He’ll have no beef in the Irish stew, to be sure. It is lamb, or nothing. And that is freshly made soda bread, if you please. The Alaskan cod in beer batter is a real tradition, and beef boxty, a kind of Irish finger food, makes the clientele’s mouths water nightly. You will have to sample these delicacies on more than one visit in order to enjoy the subtle flavor differences of each dish.
The beverages available are as authentically Irish as one will find in the Emerald Isle. The ever-present Guinness is served at exactly the correct temperature. An army of Irish whiskies lines the downstairs and upstairs bars. You may require some time to take in the eye appeal of Quinn’s Irish ambiance whether you sit in the more private, wooden “parlors” or the hand-rubbed wooden bars on both floors. Make sure you look on the walls, where mementos of the best football (soccer) teams decorate the walls. And then you have the lovely Irish colleens whose portraits grace the stairwells. They are sure to bring back memories of days gone by.
If you are over 21 years of age, you will be welcome to partake of authentic Irish libations. If you are not, you can still enjoy the traditional Irish step-dancing tunes, Sean Nôs (old style) music, and the ever present fiddle and bodhrân (Irish drum). Quinn’s advocates celebration of culture through music, dance, food, and conversation for those who enjoy camaraderie as a lifestyle.
Thank you, Martin. You have made our day, and hopefully many more!
- M
