Mary Lou Uttermohlen

Steve’s Place

Photograph

"Steven has lived in a small hidden shack at this location for ten years. One day without any prior notice his camp got a sweep. Authorities tore down his shanty and threw his belongings into a dump truck. He lost his personal documents, identification, books, pillow, bed, clothes, cooking items, food, and literally everything he owned. Once personal identification is lost it is very hard to obtain any services yet sweeps across the nation regularly dispose of homeless people's belongings."

– Mary Lou Uttermohlen

About the artist

Mary Lou Uttermohlen

As a photographer, Mary Lou Uttermohlen uses her medium to explore the nature of communities. For several decades, she has been documenting shantytowns of the American homeless. In another long-term project, she has been exploring the unique spiritual culture of New Orleans, Louisiana.

She is currently working on a cross-sector partnership with Grace at the Green Light, a homeless outreach organization with upcoming events planned with support from South Arts. Her intent is to inspire an informed discourse about the homeless epidemic and to inspire calls to action.

Uttermohlen studied art at Shepherd University in WVa and received a Master's from The Ohio State University. She has served as an adjunct professor of photography at The Ohio State University, The Columbus College of Art and Design, and Loyola University.

Photo Lucida’s Critical Mass named her as a top photographer. Her work was chosen to be part of “The Fence” and the Bombay Sapphires Artisan series. She has also earned two individual artist fellowships, has a long exhibition record, and is in several collections including the New Orleans Museum of Art, United States Embassy in Moscow, Russia, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Collection.