Nicole Cudzilo, a 19-year-old photographer and Bethel resident began exploring art at a young age. 

 “There is a lot of nature and outdoors in my work, but I am definitely not a landscape photographer,” Cudzilo said. “I like fantasy and etherealness, black-and-white and fairy tales - it is always about story telling.”

Under the guidance of world-renowned photographer Laurie Klein who studied under Ansel Adams, Cudzilo was introduced to a wide variety of techniques including infrared red photography. Participating in Klein’s mentor group allowed Cudzilo to discover her own voice in her work.

Encouraged by Bruce and Joann Hunter, owners of The Art Spot in Danbury, Cudzilo contacted Klein and now works with her to mentor high school photography students. She joined the group in October 2008 as a student and is now in her second year of mentoring six students whose work will be on exhibit this month at The Silo in New Milford.

Cudzilo has displayed her work in many local galleries and shows such as the Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance show at the Danbury Fair Mall, City Center Danbury and Shakespeare on the Sound. This February she will participate in a juried show where her work will be displayed in the City Center Danbury offices, across from Danbury Public Library.

Cudzilo said her inspiration comes from nature. “I like finding the balance in nature,” she said. “My favorite part is creating interesting contrasts between two things.” This is seen in her photograph of delicate butterfly being held in the sharp teeth of an alligator’s mouth.

 “I am drawn to the exploration of the balance between light and dark, mysterious and innocent. I deal with many subjects including life, death, cycles and fragility,” she said. “I like things on the darker side.”

Currently a student at Naugatuck Valley Community College, Cudzilo is studying mathematics and science. “Photography is my passion, but so is science. I definitely want to continue photography, maybe I’ll work for National Geographic someday,” she said.

In addition to her photography, Cudzilo is also an illustrator, working with pen and ink. Her haunting, surreal drawings consist of imagined fairy tales, ghostly maidens and creatures from her dreams.

Whether Cudzilo is in front or behind the camera, her sense of wonder and excitement about the cycle of life in nature and the wonder of the world that surrounds her is apparent in her work. Encouraged by supportive parents, mentors and teachers, Cudzilo is skilled in her craft well beyond her years. Balancing school, her hobbies of photography and drawing and mentoring students, Cudzilo’s world is one filled with creativity and passion.

This weekend, the students Cudzilo and Klein mentored will exhibit their work at The Silo Gallery in New Milford. Brookfield and Newtown High School seniors Casey Hill, Olivia Cookfair, Melissa Destefano, Alexandra Sweeney, Casey Rose Kearns and Kathryn Scribner’s work will all be on display for Klein’s “Six Views” show.

The show runs from Jan. 15-30 with the opening reception on Saturday, Jan. 15 from 3-5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Light appetizers will be provided by the Silo Cooking School and wines will be provided by Hopkins Vineyard. Cudzilo, Laurie Klein and the mentoring students will host a talk at the gallery on Sunday, Jan. 23 from 2-4 p.m.

To read Cudzilo’s blog and see more of her work go to her Wordpress site by clicking here.