Brian Culbertson
photography, first-year shared experience
MFA, East Carolina University
culbertsonb19@ecu.edu
brian-culbertson.com
Brian Culbertson is a Teaching Assistant Professor at East Carolina University School of Art and Design. He has exhibited work internationally, participating in exhibitions across the United States, Canada, China, and the United Arab Emirates. His work has been featured in publications such as The Hand Magazine, Don’t Take Pictures, Light Leaked, and Fraction Magazine.
Brian’s art practice incorporates hybrid photographic processes that blend the beauty of historic printing methods with digital image capture and manipulation, creating a dynamic interplay between past and present photographic techniques. Much of his work explores photography’s role in creating and enforcing societal and cultural norms, critically engaging with how images shape collective understanding and identity.
Areas of Research
Visual Culture, Historic Photographic Processes.
Courses Taught
Intro to darkroom, Intermediate darkroom, Intro to digital, Inquiries in Digital Photo, Photo survey, Advanced alternative processes, Concepts in photography, Color and Light, Methods and research, Translation as Making, Narrative in Art and Design, Topics in Multi-Disciplinary Art, Visual Organization, Form Space and Color.
CV
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that every student brings something unique to the table, and I am committed to helping them discover and harness their strengths. Through hands-on exploration, collaborative learning, and critical thinking, I seek to create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking ownership of their work, exploring new media, and evolving their personal artistic practices. Ultimately, my goal is to equip students with the confidence, knowledge, and technical skills needed to navigate their artistic journeys, while fostering a lifelong love for creative exploration and expression.
In my classroom, I strive to cultivate a culture of curiosity, where students are encouraged to push boundaries, embrace failure as part of the learning process, and develop confidence in their creative abilities. By providing constructive feedback and encouraging open dialogue, I aim to guide students in refining their skills while maintaining their authentic voices. I believe that the most profound learning happens when students feel supported and empowered to experiment with techniques, ideas, and approaches, knowing that their unique perspectives are valued.