I have always been drawn to creating art. One of my earliest memories is tagging along with my sister to her art lessons when I was only 2 years old. I remember looking at everyone's art and being really curious. By age 4, I joined those art lessons with Mrs. Smith, and since then art has been a big part of my life. Whether it was in traditional mediums or not, I have always had a desire to create and express myself in whatever way possible. Art has given me an outlet to share my ideas and who I am. Through my artwork, I love to display the beauty of the world and highlight things that are important to me. I am so grateful and lucky that I had the opportunity to be an art student at OA. From the moment I stepped into that Art 1 classroom, the art program has been very impactful on me. I have learned so much, not just about creating art but about myself these past four years. Some of my closest friends have been made because of art class, and I will always miss sitting at the stools having long conversations over our art work. I was also awarded a Silver Key for my portfolio and an honorable mention in the Scholastic Art and Writing awards. The art room will always be a happy place of mine where I got to create some beautiful art and make some amazing memories. In the fall, I will be attending The University of Vermont, where I am looking forward to continuing with my art. Thank you to Ms. Shea for being an amazing teacher and everyone who supported me in my art.
Rainbow portrait
“Rainbow Portrait” is a self portrait painted in oil paints. This portrait of me includes the many aspects and pieces of my life that make me who I am. Most notably is the rainbow streaking across my face. This represents the pride flag and represents my confidence in my identity. There are also other objects and symbols weaved into my painting that express my interests. These include the four leafed clovers in my hair which represent my love for nature and that I find four leafed clovers everywhere I go. There is also a piano pattern on the collar of my shirt because I love music and playing the piano. Lastly, the ocean and sunset background represent my love for being by the ocean and watching the sunset.
Content
“Content” is done in the pen and ink technique of micrography, which is shading using words that describe the emotions within the imagery. The composition depicts my sister and I holding our dog. I remember this moment very well as it was one of complete peace. Everything was perfect and we were “content.” My dog in the piece has since past and it seems that level of contentment is hard to come by which is why I chose to create this composition. It brings me back to that moment and reminds me of the importance of love, family, and appreciating the little moments.
self acceptance
“Self Acceptance” is painted with oil paint on canvas and depicts two figures, which are both a representation of me. The figure on the left is in the darkness and being held back by arms. The figure on the right is in the light in a beautiful scene and is reaching to help the other figure step into the light. The overall message of this piece is one of self acceptance. The arms holding me back on the left represent society’s hold on traditional values and the “holding back” of people who are different from what society deems “normal”. The figure stepping out of the darkness represents me deciding to be myself and ignore whatever society says. The figure on the right displays me accepting and loving myself as I reach into the darkness to help myself out of society’s grip. After viewing my work I hope people realize the importance of living one’s truth and accepting oneself for who they are.
That's Me
“That’s Me” is a self-portrait done in charcoal. I used dramatic lighting to give it an interesting effect where the shadows and highlights make a unique composition. I decided to pose in a position somewhat to the side. This way the light reached both my eyes but kept one side of my face fading into the darkness. As for my expression I chose to not make a particular face but just keep a serious expression with a very slight smirk. This represents how I am mainly a pretty bubbly and happy person. The process was difficult as I struggled a bit with capturing myself in the drawing but in the end I am happy with how the piece looks overall. “That’s Me” simply represents me and just me.