Lillian Ryder, Painting I student, displays her work from the first semester. She is most proud of her self-portrait.
Ceramics student Mikey Igo presented his “Masterpiece” at the portfolio show.
by Katie Hill
On Tues. Jan. 5, student artwork from ceramics, photography and painting classes was put on display in the art hallway from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm at the Fall Semester Portfolio Show.
This show is a time of self reflection and peer reflection for the art students as their art pieces are put on display for friends, family and members of YSHS to view. Students taking these classes were highly encouraged to invite extended family and friends to see what they completed over the course of the semester.
“I think it helps [students] to see their artwork as a whole because sometimes they just see it individually. They don’t take time to think about what is actually being created. They see other people’s, and they are able to start developing styles,” said ceramics teacher Jackie Geiple.
Students generated artwork of all mediums-photography, paintings, drawings, and ceramics.
“I’m most proud of the “Masterpiece” because I put the most effort into that one. I’m not a very artistic guy but I was intrigued by the spinning things. I found out we don’t get to use those in this course so I was disappointed but that’s okay,” said Freshman Mikey Igo.
“I would have to say that my best piece is my self portrait. I’m really proud of the shading and the blending that I did. I used a lot of purples and reds on my face which I think is a unique technique,” said Junior Lillian Ryder.
Though Ryder does not think she will stay in the painting field, she does believe she will pursue a career in art.
For each work of art, whether it be a ceramic piece or photograph, students were required to write an artist statement. These text blurbs clarify to the viewers the specific techniques used and the inspiration or meaning behind the artwork.
“Artists throughout the world write statements about their artwork which explain their ideas, the processes they used, things that they were trying to show, because sometimes you can look at artwork and not know what it means,” said Geiple.
Art is an activity that can be pursued for a lifetime, even if just for recreation.
“I think it’s surprising that they think they have to be artists and have these magical skills. You have no idea what you’re capable of until you put yourself into that situation. Almost every student surprises themselves when they take an art class,” said Geiple.