Spirit in the Light Media
Early Years
Time spent at Morgan State College introduced her to the camera, a tool she mastered and the darkroom, she dominated while she learned all about the foundation of the field of photography along with her artistic passions that would soon ignite her professional career. In 1969, Cryor earned her undergraduate degree and driven by her desire to further develop her artistic skills, she fearlessly ventured to Manhattan, New York to pursue a Master of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute, which she successfully obtained in 1971.
Cryor immersed herself in the backdrop of New York’s vibrant art scene, where she was also introduced to the film industry. Cryor served as film editor for the notable classic movie, Claudine which starred both Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones. Her early years reflect several other young artists and directors who collectively and perhaps unknowingly found themselves in front of Cryor’s lens, such as Maya Angelou, Phylicia Rashad, Nina Simone, and Miles Davis just to name a few.
Motherhood
As a single mother, Cryor used her own pregnancy to photograph the natural change of the female form and created a photographic exhibition of the birth of her only daughter titled Rites of Passage: A Mother’s View was a beautiful black and white illustration of her version of an introduction to motherhood. It became a visual testament to her strength and determination, while balancing her professional ambitions and personal responsibilities as a new mother. The dedication to her only daughter, Jazmin fueled her relentless pursuit of excellence in all her passions. Cryor would later publish her photographs in a number of various publications.
Assistant Professor
Cary Beth Cryor's photography career was nothing short of impressive. With a unique eye for detail and a deep understanding of visual storytelling, she captured poignant moments that resonated with audiences and transcended cultural boundaries. Her photographs, which often showcased the southern landscape of Louisiana and the legacy of her grandmother’s coveted vitiligo hands in the exhibition of the Tools of Time the Hands of Carrie Bryant Tillman. Meanwhile she extensively visited several countries along the border of West Africa such as Benin, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Sierra Leone whereby her daughter encountered her very first international trip at age 13.
Archivist
In addition to her illustrious photography career, Cryor dedicated twenty years of her life to academia. As a professor of photography and art history at Coppin State University, she poured her knowledge and passion with countless students, who she repeatedly inspired the next generation of artists and enthusiasts. Her mentorship and guidance shaped several artistic journeys of many aspiring photographers. In 2011, the institution honored Cryor posthumously in the renaming of the official Cary Beth Cryor gallery which would serve as all future student artists and performing art exhibitions. ​Her contributions to archiving were equally significant, as she served as Head Archivist for the Afro American Newspapers. Through this role, Cryor properly classified timeless literary works and photographs to be safeguarded and preserved as historical records and a system that remains to be practiced present day. These selfless acts single handedly contributed to the preservation of an extensive library of African American history and its culture.
Local Legend
Tragically, on September 20, 1997, Cary Beth Cryor's life was cut short by unexpected complications from Amyloidosis, which left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence the worlds of visual art photography, and archival work. Her indelible impact on the fine art community, embodied by her dedication to education, and her commitment to the preservation of African American history serves as a testament to her enduring passionate spirit for excellence. Cary Beth Cryor's name remains synonymous with an abundance of creativity, the value in education, and the celebration of African American heritage in the world of photography and beyond.
