EDEN DAVIS ...............................................
BEACON IN THE BLIZZARD
AVERY FORTIN ................................... BEACH WALKS UNDER THE SUN
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TITLE: Beacon in the Blizzard
MEDIUM: Acrylic
YEAR: 2024
I have always had many differing interests; however, across all things, art has consistently been my “escape.” Painting, drawing, sculpting and so on is my time to relax, destress, and get in touch with my creative side. Though I have never necessarily wanted to pursue art as a career, no matter what, incorporating it as a hobby in my life has always been a no-brainer. Moving forward, I am committed to prioritizing time to create art as it is - simply something that brings me joy, as well as something that helps me to realise a more in-depth view of the world around me.
Beacon in the Blizzard is an acrylic painting that highlights a lighthouse as a guide of hope in the distance. The idea came from my uncle who had asked me to create a painting. I asked him if he wanted anything specific and he asked for a lighthouse. He told me a story about a time when he couldn’t see anything out in the blowing snow except for one light from a fishing hut shining in the distance, making itself seen every so often when there would be a lull in the wind. It seemed to him at the time (as he was deep in thought about his life and things that were important to him) that, as the light of a lighthouse could guide sailors in the distance, this light could guide him. Listening to his story got me thinking. I wanted to capture that feeling of hope and reassurance in my painting, so I came up with a composition that I thought accurately depicted a lighthouse being an illuminating beacon in the dark.
TITLE: Beach Walks Under the Sun
MEDIUM: Oil
YEAR: 2024
Ever since I was little, art has had an important place in my life. Whether it be drawing or crafting, I always found a creative outlet to express myself through various art mediums growing up. In my grade 10 year , I still had an interest and appreciation for art; however, I grew apart from practicing my own technical skills. It was through this absence of creativity in my life that I realized art was more than just a pastime - it was the way in which I best expressed my ideas and felt the most at ease. This realization is what led me to rediscover my passion for art and has influenced the future course of my life. In university, I will be studying Industrial Design - a program combining art, design and engineering. This direction I have chosen has been made possible by the influence of art in my life for which I’m extremely grateful.
Beach Walks Under the Sun is an oil painting based on a photograph I took during my family vacation in Punta Cana last year. The mood I am attempting to create through this piece is the warm feeling on a beach while on vacation. The viewer may imagine themselves walking out of the ocean after a long day of swimming or going for an afternoon walk along the shore. While observing this piece, I hope the audience can feel the warmth of the sun against their skin and the smell of the ocean breeze. I chose to create this piece as I hoped to capture the beauty of the ocean which is very special to me. I hope the viewers can imagine the sound of the rolling waves crashing up on the shore and perhaps the sound of the seagulls flying overhead, creating a more immersive piece. I spent many hours using a small brush perfecting the details in order to create the fine lines in the waves and trees ensuring viewers could realistically experience the feelings and senses of a beach walk.
TITLE: Sunset over a Marsh
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas
YEAR: 2024
Art has been a consistent source of joy throughout my life, whether I’m working on small crafts during my downtime or tackling larger projects on the side, I am always doing some sort of project. As I entered high school, I was determined to continue nurturing this passion. Despite the demands of subjects like science and math, I prioritized art in my schedule. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made throughout my high school career. Regardless of how packed my week became, I always found solace in knowing that I had art to turn to—a course I genuinely enjoyed and looked forward to. While I’m not going into art next year, I’m certain it will remain an integral part of my life for years to come as it is something I truly enjoy.
This artwork captures the essence of life’s simple pleasures. Being someone who cherishes the beauty of everyday moments and someone who tries to maintain an optimistic outlook on life, I aimed to convey the serene bliss of watching a sunset over water through this painting. While I had done other oil paintings previously, I felt I wanted to refine my technique and achieve greater realism. To accomplish this, I focused on loosening my brushstrokes, allowing the elements of nature depicted—such as the clouds and reeds—to have a more organic and fluid quality. Ultimately, I believe the painting reflects my laid-back demeanour, evoking a sense of joy and positivity in the viewer.
TITLE: Summer Dress
MEDIUM: Crochet
YEAR: 2024
Art has always been a part of my life. I love to try new styles, methods and, in general, learn new skills like crocheting. It’s always so fulfilling to look at a finished project and think about how I just made something. I want art to stay in my life as the fun hobby it always was no matter where I end up because it’s an outlet I will make time for no matter what.
The ideas behind the layout of the final look of the dress changed as it was made but I think it turned out even better than originally planned. I wanted to put together the components of crocheting that I already knew (not many) and push myself. The dress is short and simple - think of going out on a picnic or hanging out with friends on a nice sunny day. Overall it was a time-consuming challenge, but I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
Being able to express oneself and to communicate your ideas to society is the greatest achievement that the artist can attain.
Through this creative act, they explore their humanity, test their resiliency and enrich the lives of others.
Each year, the graduating class of art students continue to share their ideas through conceptual work, expand their horizons through their experimentations, and provide discourse through their discussions.
May Art remain a part of your life wherever your future takes you. Let it uplift your soul and help you to realize your dreams.
-Ms. Castellan-