[proof] Fall 2016 Edition

[proof] fall 2016

cover by angelina wang

inside cover by yi ge

[proof]

about Published three times a year, [proof] is Palo Alto High School’s fine arts magazine. Our production strives to cover all aspects and mediums of art, featuring student talents in addition to local and national artists. Our mission is to showcase student artwork, local events and educate others in the arts, promoting creative thinking in the minds of our readers. from the editors Hello, readers! As the new editors-in-chief of [proof] magazine, we welcome you to our fall issue. After extensive renovations, we are proud to present a new and minimalistic design for [proof] as well as improvements to our fonts and gallery. This school year [proof] has a record-breaking number of staff writers, and we look forward to publishing three issues for the very first time. This issue we diverged from our typical photography-based articles to cover a broad range of art media, including makeup and fashion. In the following pages, immerse yourself in art festivals, the architecture of Beijing, the streets of Castro and page through the gallery to see student-submitted work. We hope you enjoy our magazine and look forward to next semester.

contact Submit all artwork to proof.paly@gmail.com to be featured in our next issue. Our past issues can be found at http://issuu.com/proofpaly. We can also be reached by mail at 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA.

editors-in-chief

staff

aidan maese-czeropski serina nguyen flora yu

abby cummings alyssa leong amy luo angel trach anna tomz ashley guo athena demarzo caroline elarde catelina nguyen deepali sastry elizabeth rauner-swan ellen chung fabiana teofan hala elhamdi isabella hopkins james poe kayla brand

editors design // jeanette andrews creative director // yi ge text // ahana ganguly gallery // angelina wang photography // emma cockerell managing // tara madhav advisor margo wixsom photography instructor palo alto high school mwixsom@pausd.org

kaitlyn khoe kristina im leah benque lucy volino naomi shand nura mostaghimi patille papas ruby shen sabrina martin sophia muys soumya jhaveri suye shen sydney bader thomas chapman thea schmit xiaopei chen yue shi

photography by amy luo

photography by angelina wang

[contents]

lifestyle the castro

09

anne & mark’s art party

11

concert photography

13

makeup trends

15

beijing

17

camp unity

19

fine arts tina su

23

jennifer xu

25

deborah brand

27

men’s fashion

29

hands

33

louise nevelson exhibition

35

elementary school art

37

how to back to film

urban portraiture

41

feline photography

45

resin craft

47

43

[lifestyle]

photography by amy luo

t he castro leah benque

9

lifestyle

San Francisco, recognized as the world’s “gay capital”, has created an incredible path for LGBT civil rights. After the Stonewall Riot in 1968, a police raid that disturbed the peace in a New York City gay club, citizens in San Francisco organized parades, coming together proudly as a community.

In 1970, citizens organized a Gay Pride Parade, marching down Polk Street.

Soon after, a gay-in was established in the Golden Gate Park. In the 1960’s and the 1970’s, after lots of people who identified as gay moved in, The Castro was established as a Gay neighborhood.

The infamous rainbow flag was created by Gilbert Baker, a San Francisco artist. Baker sought to represent the whole of the community through the 5-various strips of color.

Another large part of the gay community is AIDS; in Castro, there are a few clinics designed to help those diagnosed with AIDS. Since refuted, AIDS was recognized before as a “gay disease,” due to the large gay community that was affected.

On a wall, people of the gay community have chosen to create a memorial to a community lost to AIDS. In June, however, this was dedicated to the gay community that lost their lives during the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

Today, the Castro is still a very gay neighborhood, which can be seen from the community, the shops, and memorials. On the floor, one can see the Rainbow Honor Walk, golden plates commemorating the lives of gay artists and activists such as Oscar Wilde and Keith Haring.

It is impossible not to spot Castro from afar. Dotted with rainbow flags on shops, sidewalk crossings, and elevators, it provides a safe place for people of different sexualities. In the photographs, the flag, the AIDS revolution, the memorials, and the attacks that the gay community face are all represented. The Castro is a vibrant community – a home to activism, and an artists’ corner. photography by leah benque

the castro

10

anne & mark’s ar t par ty

Flames fly hundreds of miles per hour near huge crowds of people, their red and orange sparks glowing against the black sky. I was surrounded by men and women cheering on the night of September 24 at a local art fair called Anne and Mark’s Art Party.

11

lifestyle

athena demarzo

Anne and Mark’s Art Party was an all-night festival filled with exciting fun that lasted from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. without a single dull moment. Around me were couples in matching cheetah print outfits, shirtless women dancing in huge skirts with bells and fire dancers.

I got the sense that in the “real” world, they would be considered outcasts, but here, together, they were right at home. The art ranged from these dancers to ridiculously decorated cars. The live music blasting through the crowd was nothing like the typical silent gallery I was used to.

Outside, street painters brought a wall to life with bright paint and vibrant colors. Watching the process was fascinating ­­— one of my favorite parts of the whole night.

I had a blast; all the costumes and dancing gave a blissful and carefree mood to the whole night. This event was without a doubt worth the ticket price and my time. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is open to new experiences and whoever wants to do something fun outs11ide of how you usually spend your Saturday night. photography by athena demarzo

anne and mark’s art party

12

concerts in the modern era

deepali sastry & sydney bader

The stage is set and the artist stands poised with a guitar. The microphone stand is unmoving and waiting to echo the singer’s sentiments.

Concerts used to be a simple spectacle. The singer might stand in the center behind the mic, possibly gripping a guitar or seated at a piano. A few backup singers might stand in the back to emphasize the lyrics. As time has progressed, concerts have evolved along with it. People are paying more and more to see their idols take over the stage. According to Princeton University economics professor Alan Krueger, the average price concert ticket in 2001 was $40, with the most expensive being around $60.

In the 1950s, concerts were all about the music; there were no lights, props, fog or explosions. The performing music business changed dramatically when singer Mick Jagger brought all those variables to the stage. Spotlights highlight the artist and his band, while confetti rains from the ceiling as the concert concludes. At Drake’s concert, we found that he used light and color to form interesting shapes that filled the screens behind him. At one point, he was on a platform that elevated him, helping him to fill the shoes of past idols, while at the same time, he was brought closer to the fans that worship him and his poetic rap. After talking to family friends and their older relatives, we found that since concerts were not always the complex productions they are today, artists seemed to work almost twice as hard to put on a production with as much soul. While concerts today are filled with excess lights, the downside can be that the artists rely on the grand scale to make a good concert.

However, the lavishness makes for good pictures!

13 lifestyle

photography by deepali sastry & sydney bader

concerts in the modern era

14

the art of makeup elizabeth rauner- swan Throughout history, women have used makeup to express themselves, enhance their appearance or just for fun. Some poeple may not think of makeup as a form of art, but it is absolutely a form of artistic expression. What sets it apart is the personal feeling of creating art on one’s own face and the ability wash it off and create a new look each day.

With inspiration from the latest fashion icons, movie stars and their talented makeup artists, the way people apply their makeup changes throughout the decades. These trends in makeup clearly express the fashion trends and culture of that time period and can become an iconic symbol of that era. Two memorable times in makeup history are the 1950s and 1960s has its own identity, with inspiration coming from the most iconic figures in fashion and cinema.

The 1960s were a time rebellion against social constraints, which was even mirrored in the makeup trends of that decade. Lesley Hornby, one of the biggest supermodels and fashion icons of the 1960s, wore a unique and modern style of makeup that became her signature look. Her face was kept very natural with minimal makeup, but her eyes were accentuated with dark eyeliner on her lash line and a thin line drawn above the crease of her eye. For a more dramatic look, false lashes were added on the top and bottom of the eye.

15

lifestyle

The 1950s are a time mostly associated with Hollywood glamor, with stars like Marilyn Monroe creating the ideal look for women. Marilyn Monroe’s makeup artist Allan Snyder painted bright red lipstick on her lips and defined her eyes with eyeliner, false eyelashes and eyeshadow aimed at creating depth and definition.

makeup

16

beijing: city of change emma cockerell

Beijing is a thriving city with a rich culture and thousands of years of history. Though many new buildings and structures are being constructed because of the high demand that a quickly increasing population presents, several monuments that remain that testify to the immense power and rapid technological advancement of past civilizations. Within Beijing lie many sprawling parks that were built as g spots for previous emperors — washes of color in an increasingly gray and polluted concrete jungle.

Another famous tourist attraction is Wangfujing, which in English translates to “Emperor’s Mansion.” The street contains large department stores that tower over mazes of small stalls that sell a plethora of souvenirs and trinkets. Wangfujing is steeped in rich history, and has been a center of commercial activity since the middle of the Ming Dynasty, evolving over time to meet the needs of local merchants and tourists alike.

Most photographs of Beijing depict a beautiful blue-skied city full of historical architecture and towering skyscrapers. The media often presents photos of a technologically advanced city with a thriving economy. While this may be true of some areas of Beijing, the majority of

17

lifestyle

the city, which few foreigners see, experiences poor living conditions and even worse environmental problems. A big percentage of photos of Beijing are taken at night, when the pollution is not as visible and night lights present an image of a thriving, dynamic city. Rarely is Beijing depicted accurately in photographs.

The area where my grandparents live, which, like Palo Alto, has high-demand housing because of the local schools, suffers from poor living conditions. A day spent walking through Beijing can render shoes and clothes filthy and covered in dust. Stray dogs roam the streets, and their barks of hunger can be heard late into the night. Stickers and stamps advertising companies’ services cover the streets and walls, and even inside the halls of apartment buildings. Streets often reek of cigarette smoke.

One of the biggest problems in Beijing is pollution, which on some days can obscure objects just a few feet away. This is one of the main causes of the city’s filth and uncleanliness, and also causes health problems.

Most people are aware of Beijing’s severe pollution, but it is not often photographed, so when most people think of Beijing, they see the photoshopped pictures of monuments that have been sanitized and skies that have been rendered azure.

Both good and bad things can be said about Beijing, which in some areas exhibits ostentatious beauty, but in others betray extreme poverty. There is no doubt that Beijing will continue to thrive and prosper in the coming years with its booming economy, but that will come at a cost.

beijing

18

the art of love, compassion, and unity kristina im & nura mostaghimi “Camp Unity is a three day leadership program, focusing on issues of equity, diversity, and identity; we dive deeply into the issues that divide us from each other, both personally and as a society.

It offers the opportunity to form new friendships across the dividing lines and to recognize our similarities.� — Ms. Burton, Living Skills teacher

As I stepped off the yellow school bus, I felt the chilly mountain air on my skin, and as I grabbed my luggage I was unsure what the two days would bring. Little did I know by coming there I would become more in touch with my emotions. There were moments of sadness, but more of love, and by the time the trip ended, our experience was all I could talk of.

19 lifestyle

Sophomores Kenzo Morabia and Rachel Loewy were interviewed about their Camp Unity experience.

Q: Describe Camp Unity in 3 words.

K.M.: Mind-opening, passion, unifying.

R.L.: Emotional, enlightening, self-reflecting.

Q: How did Camp change your view on the way you see people?

K.M.: It is harder to hate someone when you know their story” is a quote that Mr. Hall said at Camp. I definitely will not be making the stereotypical jokes I used to make anymore because they have more meaning behind them.

It makes you aware of the variety of people there are around us.

R.L.: This [change] was accomplished by activities that forced us to look through the minds of other people and step in their shoes. I also developed relationships with people I might not have gotten to know under different circumstances and I’m glad that these relationships have continued to thrive at school.

Q: What was your most memorable experience?

K.M.: My most memorable experience was definitely the activity that we did that focused on stereotypes. It opened my eyes to how people may see who I am as well as how others think of their peers. [Acknowledging Racial Stereotypes] R.L.: My most memorable experience at Camp Unity was the day we acknowledged gender stereotypes. During an activity, we learned that gender stereotypes affect everyone drastically and although we, as a society have made progress in gender equality, we still have a far way to go [Acknowledging Gender Stereotypes].

Tips for Camp Unity 1. Be aware of the way you word things 2. Don’t be afraid to be honest 3. Talk to people who you don’t normally hang out with 4. Participate and speak your opinion 5. Keep an open mind

Photography by David Cohen, Kristina Im, and Nura Mostaghimi

camp unity 20

[fine arts]

photography by yi ge

tina su flora yu

Using simplistic lines and pastel shades, high school artist Tina Su creates charming illustrations of figures in everyday settings. She aspires to become a storyboard artist and develop complex, evocative worlds that allow viewers to escape reality.

Q: How did you become interested in art?

A: I first got into art when I was in pre-school/ kindergarten in China. I think I liked it mostly because people told me I was good and I liked the attention, so I kept drawing to this day. I also felt a lot of enthusiasm and inspiration when I watched anime, because I was blown away by cool outfits and worlds the characters were in. Drawing my own take on those worlds let me really immerse in them, and it was really fun too. I’d always daydream in class about them and draw them later.

22

fine arts

Q: What is your favorite subject to draw?

A: My favorite subject to draw is probably just people; I've always been drawing them. And even though drawing backgrounds are really painstaking for me, I get a lot of satisfaction from finishing them.

Q: What inspires you?

A: I find that I'm really inspired by hearing the life stories of artists that I look up to, or just bits and pieces about them that I can relate to. For example, my friend told me some time ago that one of her mother’s acquaintances has a daughter who works at Disney. That person turned out to be Elsa Chang, an artist I follow on almost every social media platform. These simple things always blows my mind, and makes me realize that the artists I admire are closer to me than I think.

Q: What is your favorite color scheme/palette?

A: I favor pastel pallets when doing my own work, but I also love seeing colorful but still realistically rendered pieces by others. Ideally, I'd like to be more like them, but it’s a current work in progress.

Q: What are your favorite tools to use?

A: Favorite tools would probably just be a regular old mechanical pencil and paper; I'm really not that fancy. It's familiar and comfortable to me, so I get to be pretty loose and “flowy� with my lines in a way I can't be with digital art. Digital art is still a close runner up though. I use mainly Photoshop and I really like the versatility it offers me.

Q: Do you have any quirky art habits?

A: Whenever I go outside and see scenery or objects, I analyze the lighting, color and wonder how I would draw it. Especially for faces; I just see shapes now because I'm thinking about how I can simplify the faces and draw them.

tina su

24

a conversation with jennifer xu soumya jhaveri

Sophomore Jennifer Xu is on a mission to reclaim the word “artist.” Through her inky sketches, her vivid paintings, and her dramatic sculptures, Xu is showing the world that art is what you make it, not a preconceived notion.

Q: What forms of media do you use?

A: Usually I use digital media like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, and also graphite, pen, colored pencils, markers, and charcoal. Mostly just your typical art materials. Over the summer I do a lot of multimedia stuff, like mixed mediums: lipstick, clay, fire, paint. I also did some stuff with ink and toy car tires which was really interesting. My favorite is pen, , but I really like mixing stuff together because it makes art so much more interesting. Also, I really don’t like pastels.

Q: What influences your artwork?

A: A lot of times it’s usually just people around me, and it pushes me to go out of my comfort zone. I try to look at the styles of different artists and mimic them. Andy Warhol and Marcel Duchamp are some of my inspirations.

Q: What kind of art do you like?

A: Black and white art; sometimes I like to use color to highlight things. I like designrelated art. I don’t know how to do Abstract Impressionism and it’s not popular anymore as a movement, but the whole thing focused on large, giant strokes and it made art really free, and I like that.

25

fine arts

Q: What’s your favorite thing you’ve created?

A: It’s either the lipstick art or Brad. Who’s Brad? Brad is a clay bust of a man who is bald and it is up to his shoulders, and I made a heart for him, and it was supposed to be a cadaver for an art project, we had to make a bunch of pieces based off a book, and I chose When Breath Becomes Air. Brad is my main piece from that project. He took about thirty hours in the span of two days.

Q: What’s the typical process you go through when creating something?

A: I write in my sketchbook for ideas, and if I have nothing, I make a mind map, and if I still have nothing, I lie on my bed and hope for inspiration. Then I browse the Internet, and if I still don’t have anything I complain to people. Inspiration usually strikes if I’m sad, or if I’m really, really tired. And sometimes when I see really pretty things.

Q: What do you love most about art?

A: It’s very freeing. Some art communities are really open so you can do anything you want that’s really crazy. My friend made a comb out of hair just for the irony of it. Most of all, though, art is very calming.

Q: What are the struggles surrounding being an artist?

A: You have a lot of people judging your art; that’s kind of the point of art, but people who do art are really judgmental and people who don’t do art are still really judgmental. A lot of people also ask why I’m not doing more important things, like science.

Q: What do you think the word “artist” means?

A: I hate that word. It has a weird pressure to it, and a connotation that you have to be super great to be an artist. When you think of an artist, you just think of Monet and Van Gogh and those people, but I think an artist is anyone who does art and enjoys it. For me, I’m not trying to change people through art, it’s just a nice thing to do because I like it.

art by jennifer xu jennifer xu

26

finding meaning under a stone

kayla brand

From the the moment she turned unwanted paper to art as a child, abstract artist Deborah Brand knew who she was meant to be. Born in Queens, this crafter spent much of her life fighting for the chance to be the woman she had dreamed of being since childhood. She flew toward this dream, driven by a determination that would eventually bring her the chance she had waited for. However, as the years of earning money as a language arts teacher tiptoed by, Brand had almost reached the age of 60 before her hope became a reality. She presents herself with the same conviction she utilized in her fight to be an artist, illustrating that it is never too late to try, and always too early to give up, when aiming for what you really love in life.

Q: How did you realize your passion for art?

A: I first realized I was an artist when I was a child, making toys out of paper and clothing out of scraps.

However, I really understood my art talent when my eighth grade teacher let those of us who finished our work early paint to our heart’s content. When we have success in a particular subject, we usually enjoy what we are doing. That success should speak to us as “the way cvx/to go”. Sadly, my parents discouraged my art making because they thought I wouldn’t be able to earn a living as an artist. Instead, I ultimately became a first grade teacher. But I never stopped making things.

Q: How did you get your Master of Fine Arts?

A: After teaching in the public schools for 14 years, I took a sabbatical leave (for the purpose of study).

All of my classes were in the art department. That did it for me! I learned that art was my real calling, and was as happy as a songbird. Years later, when I retired from teaching, I applied for admission to the art department of Queens College in order to get a Master of Fine Arts. Happy was the day the acceptance letter came in the mail. Two years later, at the ripe age of fifty nine I completed my degree. It is never too late to get where you want to be.

Q: What did it take for you to achieve your dream of becoming an artist?

A: A lot of hard work goes into the making of art.

Sometimes things are thrown out, or put aside for another time. The creative process can be a struggle, and there are dry spells. It takes time to understand your own art language what you want to achieve. Being an artist takes a lot of energy and a lot of thought. Some people give up, but working out problems can be very gratifying. When the artistic process flows, it is a joy. People who make things are the luckiest of all!

27

fine arts

Q: Tell me about your current exhibit.

A: This was a group show and we were all instructed to do pieces that were 36” in height with variations on the widths.

So I made the work, “Out On A Limb” specifically for the exhibit.

Q: You have been creating of art all your life. How did your art career change after you got your MFA? A: Getting the MFA validated my talent as an artist. (Not everyone needs the degree to call themselves “artist”.) But having that degree gave me more confidence. Studying for a degree opens one up to different experiences, techniques and ideas. For instance, I never thought about printmaking before taking a class in it. And a class in welding told me that it definitely was not for me. My use of exuberant color became part of my art language. And after the two year degree, I was comfortable with taking chances.

Q: What is your favorite part of being an artist? Why? A: When I’m working three dimensionally, I love to add color at the end of the process.

Q: What is your style?

A: I owe the use of baroque and curvilinear forms to the home in which I lived. My mother collected furniture from the Victorian period, and I loved the heavily carved frames, legs and and arms of chests and sofas. I thought everyone lived with such items. Now when I collect debris to add to my assemblages or prints, I favor curved or bent items

Q: What does your art mean to you?

A: It has been a lifesaver. When I’m working on art, the bad things in the news or my life disappear.

Q: What do you admire in other artists?

A: That varies with the artist. In general, I will say that I admire their staying power.

Some artists don’t gain public recognition until well into their careers.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add, about yourself, or something else?

A: I realize that I am very lucky to be able to create. I hope readers will keep this in mind as they go through life. It doesn’t matter what it is that you make: whether you work with words, fabric or paint brushes. Get out there and be a maker!

deborah brand

28

FINE ARTS

Angelina Wang & Yi Ge explore the world of mens’ fashion through an urban lens. Featuring models from fashion week alongside candid street style, the juxtaposition of high end fashion and casual daywear captures a broad range of trends. Keeping a colder neutral color scheme, the models encapsulate the tempestuous weather in style. From grey knits to bold bombers, staying warm this season is simple. Layering parkas on top of neutral bases are the way to go. As for shoes, classic sneakers never go out of style and can be paired with any outfit. To class up any look, simply swap them out with oxfords.

fall/winter fashion angelina wang serina nguyen

fall/winter fashion

30

31

fine arts

fall/winter fashion

32

hands

patille papas & anna tomz

Hands are the building blocks of life. They tell stories, show lifetimes, and paint pictures of what you once were. Portraits can be shown through hands.

Stories can be shown through the crevices, the wrinkles, and the callouses, by the way your nails look, and its texture all these details tell someone’s story. Hands can even show your social status and your occupation based on how they look. Hands can be used for everything, or rarely used at all.

If hands are rough or have callouses, it could show that they are used regularly therefore have importance in their life. The hands in these photos are taken from a variety of people, including adults and children.

33

fine arts

photography by patille papas & anna tomz

The contrast in these photos were important because there are so many unique people in this world, and they all have a story to tell through their hands. The items included in the photos show what type of lifestyle the subjects have. If hands are soft and the nails are painted, it may show that the subject has lots of time or cares about how they are presented to people.

Generally, people tell you to look past the surface when you meet someone new, to not judge based on looks. However, hands are much more than they seem, and if you look at the surface, you can find out whatever you need to know.

hands

34

louise nevelson isabella hopkins Our footsteps echo loudly as we enter the Louise Nevelson exhibition. It’s a minimalist space with ivory walls and high ceilings. The room is brightly lit and each wall has a sculpture or collage mounted against it. Each sculpture is intricately detailed and though many look similar, none are exactly the same. It’s a very peaceful and tranquil place to spend a Sunday afternoon.

This weekend, I visited the Pace Palo Alto Art Gallery. The current exhibition is of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson and runs from Sep. 29th to Dec. 11th. Nevelson is known for her sculptural environments and her collages, both of which were featured in the gallery. Nevelson used random, raw materials, and assembled them into a sculpture, then paintingthem all one color, most commonly black or white. Her works are inspired by light and shadows and are very eye catching. I enjoyed examining each art piece and trying to decipher which materials she used in each sculpture.

35

fine arts

The exhibit is completely free, which is definitely a plus. The location is also convenient because it’s located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto which makes it easily accessible. The one staff member was very friendly and polite. However, one negative aspect of the exhibit was that there were no plaques giving the names or year of creation or any background about each piece. It was odd not having that information about each sculpture and this was the first exhibit I’ve ever been to that didn’t have placards.

Overall, I enjoyed this exhibit, and I’d highly recommend going if you find yourself in downtown Palo Alto. The sculptures and collages are unlike anything I’ve seen before, and I doubt I’ll see anything quite like them again.

louise nevelson

36

elementary school art fabiana teofan & caroline elarde

A teacher stands at the front of a classroom, leading a group of first graders through an art project. Students cut out and paste different colored pieces of paper together to create identical turkeys for Thanksgiving. At the end, the result is a new decoration to hang on the fridge.

In recent years throughout Palo Alto, projects like these, though common and familiar, has evolved into something greater than creating decorations. The lessons have been carefully tailored to introduce artistic concepts through projects that allow students to have more creative freedom. These projects are not only more enjoyable, but also allow kids to begin to discover themselves as artists.

In elementary school classrooms throughout PAUSD, kids are making more than just coloring sheets and construction paper figures.

Through the meticulously constructed lessons, the children expand their knowledge of media they may already be familiar with and learn how to use a plethora of new forms of art. In addition to traditional painting and drawing, the students learn how to create everything from 3D sculptures to assemblage compositions to digital art pieces.

photography by sharon ferguson 37

fine arts

Sharon Ferguson, PAUSD’s Art Coordinator, believes that “art should be the place where success should happen for students that may not normally have success.” This gives kids a chance to shine in ways other than academically or athletically. Beyond this, teachers use these art projects to teach lessons in other subjects such as science and history. This gives kids a chance to, as Ferguson says, “use the arts as a way of communicating what you know.” These projects can also be a good way to allow students to give back to their community. One project that fourth and fifth graders participate in involves the Palo Alto Humane Society. The kids are given a picture of a rescue dog that lives in a shelter and use oil pastels to draw the dog. The drawings are displayed in a show called “Adoptables” and encourage people to adopt the dogs.

As technology advances, so do the ways in which art can be created. Ferguson believes it is important to begin to incorporate technology into elementary school art lessons in order to give students exposure to new methods of creating art, such as mixed media and digital art. Paly photography teacher Margo Wixsom recounts her elementary school art experience as limited and constricted to coloring pages.

As different forms of media become popular, it’s important to give kids a basic understanding of the various types of art before it is an option in school.

This way, they are able to take advantage of those opportunities. However, Ferguson emphasizes that these lessons are implemented “not to take the place of any other media, but to add to it.” To introduce digital art, students use the iPad app Paper 53 to draw and design a bird. In addition, students use the iPads to experiment with photography as well. The large screens allow for the kids to see their photos up close and experiment with different ways of taking photos. Overall, technological advancement is affecting the way art is taught in elementary school, allowing kids to succeed in other ways.

elementary art

38

[how to]

photography by angelina wang

back to film

the appeals of film photography in a digital age lucy volino & sabrina martin Why film? In an age of digital technology and widespread media, smartphones with professional grade cameras are ubiquitous in many parts of the world. As a result, the use of film cameras is much less common than it used to be. However, there are several reasons why photographers are still choosing film, and for those interested, getting started is quite easy.

One of the reasons why people find film photography so valuable is because of its ability to capture a single moment in a way that digital photography cannot. A standard roll of film has between 24 and 36 exposures. This leads to much more thought going into a single shot, and less of a tendency towards holding the shutter button. Digital photography breeds this endless clicking, as memory cards and phones can hold thousands of high quality pictures. This is a flaw not present in film.

Being able to shoot 10 frames per second may be helpful for a portrait photography session to compare framing and depth of focus. Though for candid moments and everyday life, film can be much more special to have later on in life. Precious memories and perfectly captured moments are not drowned in the sea of slight variations of the same picture that go with having unlimited storage.

Additionally, the process behind film development gets lost with digital photography. People who grew up in a time where film photography was both prevalent and universal still reminisce about its joys. There is a certain excitement to picking up or developing printed negatives after not having seen them since the moment they were captured.

With compelling reasons for wanting to try film photography, getting started may seem like the hardest part of the process. However, getting a film camera requires much less commitment than digital photography does.

41

how to

Used and well-functioning film cameras are available for sale at a fraction of their original price online, and can sell for between 20 and 100 dollars, while digital cameras can cost hundreds of dollars.

Plus, the Bay Area is host to a myriad of resources available to photographers.

Rayko Photo Center in San Francisco is a great resource for beginning film classes, workshops, and has the materials needed to self-develop film negatives. They also offer week-long day camps for teens in both film and digital photography, no experience required.

For someone looking to start shooting film outside of a class, Craigslist and eBay are both great places to find used, inexpensive and functional film cameras. However, be conscious that these places are not always 100 percent reliable. Always be aware and confirm what you are purchasing and who you are purchasing from before buying. Starting with 35mm film is easiest, as it is common, developed without much fuss, inexpensive. Some good 35mm SLR (single lens reflex) cameras include the Nikon FG, Canon Av-1, and Pentax K1000 models.

back to film

42

urban portraiture sophia muys An urban setting can change the mood of a portrait instantly, because the background tells as interesting a story as the subject. A city street, constantly changing to fit the spirit of those who inhabit it, holds years of history in each layer of paint on the storefronts, every forgotten poster plastered on a wall, and each crack in the pavement. Being able to capture this story along with your subject’s is easy; all it takes is a bit of exploration. Here are some suggestions that are sure to produce some amazing photos.

frame your subject with surrounding walls Framing your subject with the urban background adds interest to the composition. In this photo, the layered paint on the wall creates lines that frame the subject. Look for backgrounds with a lot of texture, color, or line.

integrate your subject into the environment Placing the subject in the setting rather than just photographing them standing in front of it is integral to a successful photo. It creates a more authentic spirit to your photo, as well as adds compositionally to the quality.

43

how to

embrace color Urban settings are often seen as strictly set in the muted color palette. The use of color adds a level of vibrancy to your photo that helps to convey the spirit of the place, and generally a more interesting photo.

don’t be afraid to explore You aren’t always going to find an urban setting that speaks to you at first glance; sometimes it takes a bit of searching to find a place you love. Just like in nature, you have to navigate the urban landscape to get to a cool destination. Look in places that you would never look!

urban portraiture

44

feline photography aidan maese-czeropski Photographing a cat can often be a surprisingly daunting task — energetic felines are more likely to chase bugs on the ground than pose for a picture. Nevertheless, if you want to capture the perfect shot of your feline, follow these five steps.

1.

Find a simple location to shoot. Chances are you want your cat to be the

focus of the photo, so including a bright or busy background will distract your viewer and deteriorate the image quality overall. A simple setting, such as a lawn, wall or carpet, will focus more of the attention on your furry friend. Consider contrasting the cat’s fur color with the background color to really grab your viewer’s attention.

2.

Adjust the lighting. Your lighting will affect the overall mood of the photo,

so carefully consider whether you want natural or unnatural light. Sunlight will give off a more “natural” vibe, but avoid taking photos at midday as your photo can become overly-bright. Indoor lights can appear harsh to the eye but are easily adjustable. The lighting may entirely depend on the location, so keep this in mind when choosing an area to shoot.

3.

Get your cat ready for the photoshoot. This may be the hardest part if

your cat is energetic, so avoid exciting your cat. Consider what you want your cat to do in the photo (she could be sleeping, playing or contemplating life) and prepare accordingly by bringing toys, catnip or a box to sit in. If you want your cat to gaze in a certain direction, hang toys or snap your fingers in that area. The most important factor here is patience.

4.

The angle. You may need to lie on your stomach or place your head level

to your cat to capture the best shot, as a lower point of view will help por tray your cat as a predator. Also try experimenting with many different angles to capture many unique perspectives. You really can’t go wrong with any angle, so just keep experimenting with new views.

5.

Take the picture. You may need upwards of 20-40 shots to get the perfect

image, especially if your cat is moving. Shutter speed can range from 1/50s to more than 1/500s depending on your cat’s motion. Furthermore, you can improve your photo quality by using a conversion lens or telephoto lens to better capture movements. The most important part of this step is to have fun — Taking a picture of your cat may be difficult, but the end result will always be adorable.

45

how to

photography by amy luo, yi ge cat photography

46

resin craft yue shi

Resin crafts, the unique type of craft made from the organic substance resin, are both beautiful and surprisingly easy to make at home.

supplies -

resin (epoxy + hardener) food coloring measuring cups molds dropper silicon gloves cotton swabs

photography by suye shen

47

how to

steps:

1

Measure out the resin and the hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions

2

Mix until air bubbles disappear, roughly three to five minutes

3

Gently fill the mold halfway full using a dropper

4

Add food coloring to reach desired pattern

5

Use a cotton swab to clean out the edges

6

Wait for 24 - 48 hours in room temperature before removing from molds

resin craft

48

[gallery]

photography by amy luo

51

gallery

Esha Junnarkar // Yi Ge gallery

52

Angelina Wang 53

gallery

Emma Cockerell // Chloe Patterson

gallery

54

Xiaopei Chen // Sophia Muys 55

gallery

Matt Aiu // Vivian Wu

gallery

56

Abby Cummings // Allison Shih 57

gallery

Johanna Ehrensvard

gallery

58

Iris Yuan // Izzy Schireson

59

gallery

gallery

60

61

gallery

Katherine Sung // Prahalad Mitra // Xiaopei Chen

Yi Ge // Angelina Wang

gallery

62