Staff Profile: Tyler Corvin, VCOM Director of Admissions

How long have you been doing photography?
I've been doing photography as a hobby for about 10 years.

What inspires your work?
I guess you could say that I'm inspired by my surroundings. On a weekend, I might take a trip to a local attraction, or go on a hike to take pictures.

Why do you do it?
I stay involved in photography for many reasons. It's a great way to spend time in nature. Also, the challenge of taking the "perfect" picture is always a fun aspect. It can be a thrill as well when you capture some of life's biggest moments.

How do you find time to do photography?
Sometimes it can be tough to find time for photography. I try to spend at least a few hours a month tinkering around with my camera and taking pictures. The weekends provide a great opportunity to get out and take pictures.

The following are a few samples of Tyler's work. See more at RECESS on January 8th.


Images are copyright Tyler Corvin and used here with permission.

Student Profile: Sarah Riley-Burnett, OMS I

How long have you been painting and/or doing decorative art?
I've always been somewhat of an artist, since grade school really. Most of my artwork spans the past 8 years though.

What inspires your work (what are you drawn to)?
Really bright colors and abstract shapes, I rarely have a plan when I sit down to paint, I just start with a color that I like and somehow it ends up making sense. It's a very spontaneous process. I always paint to music so a lot of my stuff is inspired by what I was listening to.

Why do you do it?
I'm not entirely sure, I suppose it's a release for me or a way to express what I don't have words for.

How do you find time to do this while in medical school?
I have finished a few paintings since being in school but I haven't started anything new...but when the mood strikes there's little else that I can focus on other than shapes and colors, so I create something and when I'm done there's a little more space in my head to focus somewhere else.

The following are a few samples of Sarah's work. See more at RECESS on January 8th.


Images are copyright Sarah Riley-Burnett and are used here with permission.

What Happened to the Bioethics Cases?

We are taking a brief hiatus from posting new bioethics cases to prepare for RECESS Arts night. In the meantime, you are welcome to join the debate over any of the topics we have taken up this semester by clicking HERE or perusing our archives. No debate is ever closed.

Student Profile: Ashley Burris, OMS I

"Most of my paintings are presents for friends and family. Flowers, landscapes, and people are my favorite subjects to paint and draw. Week long breaks are my only opportunities to fit in time for art."




The following are a few samples of Ashley's work. See more at RECESS on January 8th.

Note: images are copyright Ashley Burris and are used here with permission.

Student Profile: Mei Lawing-Ellis, OMS II

How long have you been an artist?
I started with Graphic Design (my undergraduate major) and gradually incorporated more photography and digital manipulation into my work. In time, the camera, coupled with Photoshop, became my favorite set of mediums.

What inspires your art? What do you like to depict?
Beauty in unexpected places, presented in nontranditional ways.

Why do you do it?
Art, in general, is one of those unique things that has the ability to reach out and influence everyone. It can be inspirational, motivational, empowering, saddening, maddening. I love creating art because I love its impact – its potential to evoke.

How do you find time to do this while in medical school?
It makes time for itself (whether I want it to or not!)

The following is some of Mei's work. You can see more at RECESS on January 8th.


Note: images are copyright Mei Lawing-Ellis and are used here with permission.