Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-
Academic theses
Photography--Illinois
Trees--Illinois
Winter--Illinois
Wheaton (Ill.)
Black-and-white photography
Black and white photograph of a tree-lined road during wintertime in Wheaton, Illinois, as shot by photographer, Douglas Gilbert, as a part of his master's thesis in photography. Gilbert graduated with an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972 before becoming an Assistant Professor of Art at Wheaton College from 1972-1982 in Wheaton, Illinois. Scanned from the negative.
Gilbert, Douglas R.
Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
In Copyright
Farms--Illinois
Farmhouses--Illinois
Black and white photograph of a farmhouse front porch in Wheaton, Illinois, as shot by photographer, Douglas Gilbert, as a part of his master's thesis in photography. Gilbert graduated with an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972 before becoming an Assistant Professor of Art at Wheaton College from 1972-1982 in Wheaton, Illinois. Scanned from the negative.
Agriculture--Illinois
Black and white photograph of a farm shed situated between two silos in Wheaton, Illinois, as shot by photographer, Douglas Gilbert, as a part of his master's thesis in photography. Gilbert graduated with an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972 before becoming an Assistant Professor of Art at Wheaton College from 1972-1982 in Wheaton, Illinois. Scanned from the negative.
Black and white photograph of an older man wearing a stylish outfit while standing on a dirt driveway in Wheaton, Illinois, as shot by photographer, Douglas Gilbert, as a part of his master's thesis in photography. Gilbert graduated with an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972 before becoming an Assistant Professor of Art at Wheaton College from 1972-1982 in Wheaton, Illinois. Scanned from the negative.
Black and white photograph of a fenced off field of arable land in Wheaton, Illinois, as shot by photographer, Douglas Gilbert, as a part of his master's thesis in photography. Gilbert graduated with an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972 before becoming an Assistant Professor of Art at Wheaton College from 1972-1982 in Wheaton, Illinois. Scanned from the negative.
Black and white photograph of a field of arable land in Wheaton, Illinois, as shot by photographer, Douglas Gilbert, as a part of his master's thesis in photography. Gilbert graduated with an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972 before becoming an Assistant Professor of Art at Wheaton College from 1972-1982 in Wheaton, Illinois. Scanned from the negative.
Railroad tracks--Illinois
Black and white photograph of a rural railroad track in Wheaton, Illinois, as shot by photographer, Douglas Gilbert, as a part of his master's thesis in photography. Gilbert graduated with an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972 before becoming an Assistant Professor of Art at Wheaton College from 1972-1982 in Wheaton, Illinois. Scanned from the negative.
Barfield, Owen, 1898-1997
Kilby, Clyde S.
Wheaton College (Ill.). Marion E. Wade Center
Wheaton College (Ill.)
Black and white photograph of Owen Barfield, the British philosopher, author, poet, and critic, smoking a cigar while standing alongside author and professor, Clyde Samuel Kilby, on the campus of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Barfield visited Wheaton College as a visiting lecturer on April 18-19, 1972, shortly after a major acquisition of Barfield's papers by the Marion E. Wade Center. Scanned from the negative.
Black and white photograph of Owen Barfield, the British philosopher, author, poet, and critic, smoking a cigar while standing outside on the campus of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Barfield visited Wheaton College as a visiting lecturer on April 18-19, 1972, shortly after a major acquisition of Barfield's papers by the Marion E. Wade Center. Scanned from the negative.
Black and white photograph of Owen Barfield, the British philosopher, author, poet, and critic, smoking a cigar and smiling while having a conversation with author and professor, Clyde Samuel Kilby, on the campus of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Barfield visited Wheaton College as a visiting lecturer on April 18-19, 1972, shortly after a major acquisition of Barfield's papers by the Marion E. Wade Center. Scanned from the negative.
Black and white photograph of Owen Barfield, the British philosopher, author, poet, and critic, smoking a cigar and smiling while standing outside on the campus of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Barfield visited Wheaton College as a visiting lecturer on April 18-19, 1972, shortly after a major acquisition of Barfield's papers by the Marion E. Wade Center. Scanned from the negative.
Black and white photograph of a close-up view of Owen Barfield, the British philosopher, author, poet, and critic, while deep in thought and seated in a lounge chair at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Barfield visited Wheaton College as a visiting lecturer on April 18-19, 1972, shortly after a major acquisition of Barfield's papers by the Marion E. Wade Center. Scanned from the negative.
Black and white photograph of Owen Barfield, the British philosopher, author, poet, and critic, reading a book while seated in a lounge chair at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Barfield visited Wheaton College as a visiting lecturer on April 18-19, 1972, shortly after a major acquisition of Barfield's papers by the Marion E. Wade Center. Scanned from the negative.
Black and white photograph of Owen Barfield, the British philosopher, author, poet, and critic, smoking a pipe while seated in a lounge chair at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Barfield visited Wheaton College as a visiting lecturer on April 18-19, 1972, shortly after a major acquisition of Barfield's papers by the Marion E. Wade Center. Scanned from the negative.
Hinduism
College students
Belonging
The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred book for Hindus. I remember participating in the Bhagavad Gita sloka recitation competitions in my childhood. The Bhagavad Gita offers profound insights into personal transformation. It is part of the larger epic, the Mahabharata, and is often called the "Song of the Lord." The Gita is a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, who grapple with life's complexities and the morality of war. The Bhagavad Gita is a historical document and a philosophical and spiritual guidebook. It offers a systematic elucidation of life's terrain, addressing the quintessential queries that plague human existence. The text assumes the persona of a personal mentor, effectively addressing challenges and change. Personally, I find the Bhagavad Gita to be a valuable source of inspiration, guidance, and solace. Its teachings, particularly on duty, selfless action, and the pursuit of inner peace, have been instrumental in shaping my worldview and providing me with a framework to approach life's challenges.
Sri
Grand Valley State University. Kaufman Interfaith Institute
Kaufman Interfaith Institute (exhibitor)
Believing and Belonging on Campus: An Interfaith Photovoice Project (project)
Islam
The Holy Quran holds a special place in my life as a practicing Muslim. Revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by God, it serves as the center of my faith and a constant source of guidance. Each day, I strive to deepen my understanding of its teachings, which encompass all aspects of life—from matters of faith and practice to moral conduct and interpersonal relationships. Its verses offer invaluable lessons on how to be a better human being, addressing topics ranging from personal conduct and familial relationships to societal ethics and religious obligations like prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and marriage. This photo captures the essence of the Quran's first lesson, which begins with praise for God and a plea for His guidance—a ritual that forms an integral part of my daily life and spiritual journey. This first lesson is recited in all the prayers, which total 17 obligatory units spread out over five times a day, a practice I faithfully observe.
Anam
Lord Ganesha welcoming customers at the entrance of an Indian restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a beautiful representation of the cultural significance of this deity in Hinduism. Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is the elephant-headed god revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. The restaurant has displayed a stunning image of Lord Ganesha, which instantly catches the eye of anyone who enters. The intricate details of the statue, the vibrant colors, and the serene expression on his face create an aura of positivity and auspiciousness. The elephant head represents wisdom, strength, and the ability to overcome obstacles, while the large ears symbolize the importance of listening and understanding. The broken tusk represents sacrifice and the ability to use knowledge for the greater good. It reminds me of the warmth and love of my family in India.
This picture captures a moment of profound personal significance as I pray to Lord Shiva during Mahashivaratri after fasting for the entire day. It symbolizes the essence of devotion and austerity that define this sacred occasion, resonating deeply with the spiritual journey it represents. Mahashivaratri holds immense importance in Hindu culture, signifying the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and the triumph of light over darkness. Through fasting and prayer, devotees seek divine blessings and inner purification, evoking deep emotions of devotion, humility, and spiritual longing. In a world often consumed by material pursuits, this image offers an alternative perspective, reminding us of the importance of connecting with the divine and seeking spiritual fulfillment amidst the chaos of daily life.
Puja is a religious ritual practiced in many Indian homes, including mine as an Indian living in America. In this ritual, lamps are lit as an offering to the divine. The light from the lamp symbolizes knowledge and the power of the sacred, while the wick represents the ego, and the oil signifies our negative tendencies. When lit by spiritual knowledge, these negative tendencies are gradually eliminated, and the ego eventually perishes. There are various ways of performing puja: light lamps in front of a deity, some in front of the Tulasi plant, and some light lamps at dawn and dusk. The type of oil and wick used also holds significance. For instance, cow's ghee ensures radiance, prosperity, health, and happiness. Similarly, a cotton wick brings prosperity and all good fortune. The chanting of slokas or hymns also accompanies the lighting of the lamp. The shloka "Subham Karoti Kalyanam, Arogyam Dhana Sampadah, Shatru Buddhi Vinashaya, Deepa Jyotir Namostute" is commonly chanted while lighting the lamp, seeking the divine's blessings for prosperity, good health, and the destruction of opposing forces.
Orthodox Eastern Church
Through Interfaith Photovoice, I was part of many conversations about belonging. Where do I belong or have a home? Lenten bouquets are not an official tradition within the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Christian tradition that I practice, but the color purple is liturgically the color for the time of Lent. While I have been so rooted and comforted to know and believe I belong within my faith and God, that I have a home in those spaces, it occurred to me that I might also make a space for God to have a home within me and my space.
Cecelia
Judaism
Mezuzahs are often found outside of doors in Jewish spaces. They are there as a reminder that you are entering a holy space and should act accordingly. When I am in my hometown, I see many of these. Being in a new environment here at GVSU with not as many Jewish people, I do not see mezuzahs on doors when I am walking in.
Molly
This photograph captures a moment of tranquility within one of the Interfaith Reflection Rooms at GVSU, where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to pray. In Islam, prayer, being the second pillar of the faith, holds significant importance. Muslims adhere to a disciplined practice of praying five times a day, each within specific time windows. There are 17 obligatory units of Salah spread throughout these five daily prayers, and each unit consists of two sajdah (prostrations). This image not only signifies the personal devotion of individuals but also highlights the inclusive environment fostered by the university, providing a space for spiritual reflection and connection regardless of one's faith tradition. For me, Salah (prayer) is a profound experience where I feel deeply connected to God. It's a time when I am away from all worldly tensions, allowing me to find peace and solace for my soul. Each prostration (sajdah) during prayer brings immense benefits, including physical relaxation, mental clarity, and spiritual elevation. It's a moment of submission and humility before the Divine, offering a sense of renewal and inner tranquility that carries me through the challenges of daily life.
LGBTQ+ people
Growing up, I didn't have a lot of exposure to LGBT books, fiction or non-fiction. Every reference was treated with a great deal of sterility and distance if not complete dismissal. So to find out we had an entire little library on campus dedicated to queer literature was beyond wonderful. Everything I had wished I was able to read growing up was right here in one place. To have something like this on campus is such a joy because it means our stories get to be celebrated just like everyone else's.
Lex
We can get in our own way of belonging. I judge myself harshly that I don’t fit into any one category and get in my own way of belonging to any one thing. I judge others (even though I am trying to break this habit) before I enable myself to open up to others. My fear of rejection holds me back from feeling belonging with friends and family. GVSU helps to provide spaces that I feel like I belong to and helps me discover people who care just as deeply about others and diverse viewpoints, providing me sanctuary. GVSU feels safe to me. GVSU provides experiences like photovoice where I am able to express the most vulnerable parts of myself to others without fear of rejection. This experience in particular allowed me to reflect deeply within myself to better understand how to thrive on campus and with those around me.
Rachel