Elisabeth “Libby” Gokey, a 2010 DUHS graduate studying photography at SMC, with two of her 10 works exhibited until mid-May at Frame of Mind, Time Travel and Crossing Over. Each contains the face of whoever suggested an idea.

Figuring out where Waldo is might be easier than finding all 10 faces subtly incorporated into Elisabeth Gokey’s Southwestern Michigan College photography exhibited until mid-May at Frame of Mind in downtown Dowagiac.

After graduating from Union High in 2010, Gokey attended SMC intending to become a veterinarian, but film class turned her in a different direction and digital photography the following semester cemented her new path.

Libby, who expects to graduate next year, enjoys traditional darkroom photography as a hobby, but digital is the destination for mainstream photography.

“I spend as much time on my computer as I did in the darkroom,” she laughed. “I like how it’s easier to add color.” A book she assembled for her class is called Color Blind. “I love animals — my grandma owns a stable. I’ve always taken as many art classes as possible, but (photography) is what I love. Going to SMC was a good choice for me because it let me experiment with things I wanted to do.”

A Coldplay song, “Paradise,” inspired her show, which began with a survey of college students. “It talks about a girl running away from reality. I wanted to figure out what others consider paradise and make photos out of their ideas. Every image has a face in it. The faces and pop art feel both draw in the audience.”

“Paranormal Romance” is about a girl sitting on a couch, watching a movie with her boyfriend. “Crossing Over” is a bridge whose railing guides whoever is entering the forest that represents passage into the unknown of God’s land.

“Time Travel” shows  a clock on a vehicle dashboard. Bow hunting inspired one.

“By Invitation Only” shows a two-sided bench at Russ Forest. The woman who suggested it likes being surrounded by people she loves, but dislikes being with people who annoy her. “No Service” shows a remote natural scene beyond the intrusion of cell phones.