Born in 1955, James Vaughan grew up in the idyllic surroundings of a small town near Akron, Ohio. His father was a scientist and director of research for one of America’s largest corporations. His mother was an artist and a poet.
Vaughan completed high school a year ahead of his classmates and in 1972 left for Chicago and college. He studied both photography and journalism and, while still a student, his freelance work appeared in many of the city’s major magazines and newspapers.
After he earned his degree, Vaughan took a job as an assistant with a large commercial studio. Then in 1977, during a long and cold Chicago Winter, he converted an entire floor of an old factor into his first studio.
Over the next twenty-five years, he worked at the forefront of Chicago’s advertising and fashion industry and was commissioned for a wide variety of advertising and editorial assignments. “My original training in photo-journalism served me well,” says Vaughan. “It brought a sense of realism and sincerity to my work. I have always thought of myself as a storyteller. That’s what the word ‘photography’ really means – ‘to write with light.’”
“I can’t say I was much of a financial success,” laughs Vaughan. “Most of the money went to new ideas and experiments. We were all mad-scientists back then, pushing the envelope in search of the next break-through image.”
With the arrival of the 21st Century, and its limitless digital technology, James Vaughan has been able to return to his small-town roots. Now back in Ohio, he has taught at nearby Kent State University and built a new state of the art studio. “This is the most important time for my work. Away from the demands and distraction of the big city I can be even more creative,” he says.
“After all these decades, I finally have the skill and technology to catch-up to my imagination!”
In this episode, Beth and James discuss:
James’ background in photography and his youth during the space race. The power of aesthetics in the space program. Where James finds his inspiration as a space illustrator. The modern mythology that is the new space exploration. The role art has always played in new scientific endeavors, including space exploration.
Key Takeaways:
Illustrators, artists, and creative talents are needed in the space program. When we apply our imagination, we help to share and interpret ideas. You can do anything…if you love it, you will find a way.
“Surprise! We live in space. Right now, all the time. The idea that we won’t go farther than our front yard is sort of silly. I know there will be ups and downs and trials and tribulations, but it’s inevitable that the human race will expand further and further out into the universe.” — James Vaughan
Connect with James Vaughan:
Website: JamesVaughanPhoto.com
About Beth Mund:
Beth’s love for space started as a Space Camp attendee at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where she would return years later as an instructor. After grad school, Beth worked as a journalist, a technical writer for Motorola, and then went on to serve as a Public Affairs Officer for the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. In addition, Beth worked to support the International Space Station program as a communication specialist. In Chicago, Beth worked as a corporate communication advisor to Fortune 50 companies including Allstate and United Airlines. She’s worked as a college instructor, a political advisor, and public relations manager for her hometown city. Beth recently founded Stellar Communications, LLC and travels the country as a keynote speaker- inspiring audiences with her lessons learned from our nation’s space program. She’s the host of the Casual Space Podcast, and a self-proclaimed space geek.
Connect with Beth Mund:
Email: askbeth@casualspacepodcast.com
Website: bethmund.com/casualspace
Facebook: @Casual Space Podcast
Show notes by show producer/podcastologist: Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie
