Artist Profiles

CHS students share the art they made while under stay at home order restrictions.

BY SEBASTIAN OLIVA AND LUCY TOBIER

RIN SIMMONS

What inspires your art? I do a lot of fan art. I like to draw characters from things that already exist. I have a lot of fun doing that. So that’s probably most of my art. Especially recently, I’ve tried to branch out and do things that I might not normally do — to try and experiment and test my limits in a way. I’ve been painting, and I never really was a painter before. That’s kind of fun. And I try and kind of do less fan art and do more abstract or more backgrounds of nature. I guess lately, my big inspiration has been trying things that I haven’t done before. That’s kind of what I’ve been having fun doing lately.

When did you start drawing? That’s so hard to say. I’ve kind of been drawing as long as I can remember. I think since I could hold a marker or pencil I was drawing, honestly. It was always something I was obsessed with when I was younger. My mom still [has] drawings on the wall in her bedroom that I did when I was like four. I’ve basically been doing it as long as possible.

Are there any artists who inspired your drawing style? It’s not like a specific artist. It’s just because what turned me off from painting for a long time when I was younger was how hard it was to undo a mistake. And I was so meticulous and precise with my art that I hated it. But I think if I go in trying to remember and be more inspired by that mindset of, ‘I’ll make mistakes and that’s part of it,’ instead of being frustrated by that, it leads to me being much happier and ending up with much better work. Are there any themes you follow? So I guess. Yeah, I guess lately, my big inspiration has been trying things that I haven’t done before. That’s kind of what I’ve been having fun doing lately.

What does your art aim to say? I don’t think so. I’ve never been much of a person who does art with a lot of meaning to it. And it’s kind of a weird pet peeve of mine how a lot of people when they look at art, they feel like there has to be a meaning to it. And of course, there often isn’t meaning. And it’s great when there is, but I think people forget that sometimes the meaning is just that someone likes to do art. And that is what it is for me. I just have fun with it. It’s fun to see what I can do and this stuff makes me happy. And that’s really why I do it as there is not really any meaning to it. So occasionally, I do art, like I’ve done art for protests and stuff I’ve been to. But for the most part, I kind of draw once I’m in the mood, for it helps me focus. I also draw a lot during school, stuff like that.

Is there a piece your most proud of? Recently, it’s actually unfinished, but in the painting class, we’ve been doing a still life. And I’ve been painting, it’s all that sits on my desk. It’s like a vintage doll from Burger King. And it’s not done yet, but I’ve been really proud of it because I’ve never considered myself much of a painter. I never really painted much. I just did a lot of pencil drawing. And it’s been turning out really well. And I am very proud of this little doll painting.

Art by Rin Simmons

SADIE BARBER

What inspires your art? The times where I make my best stuff is when I’m in, a good place mentally. So, at camp, I make really good stuff cuz I’m surrounded by people that I like. So what inspires me? Probably just people.

When did you start drawing? Forever. I was homeschooled for preschool and kindergarten. So we would draw every day. But then five or so years ago at camp in the arts and crafts class. I would just make collages and stuff. Camp has always been a really big influence for my art.

Are there any artists who inspired your drawing style? I guess Picasso. But a person that I like to look up to that inspires me [is my] voice teacher, Chris McCall. I’ve been seeing her since I was in fifth grade. She just really inspires me. We have so much in common. She’s like an older version of me. And everything I ask her about, she has an answer. Or she gives me really good advice

Are there any themes you follow? I usually try to go for I guess abstract, and things that don’t make sense. So I try to make it like a mystery — like all over the place.

What does your art aim to say? I think it could be like a different message for each of them.

Is there a piece you’re most proud of? I made it for art class in school. The theme was identity, so I just thought of stuff that represents who I am But other stuff I do, I feel like I tried to take a spiritual route, or questioning authority, I guess.

Art by Sadie Barber

Photography by Lily McCready

LILY MCCREADY

Why do you do art? It’s just a hobby. Like Ebba, I love Ebba. She’s so good at what she does, but she does it every day, probably if I had to guess. I garden also, so during spring or the fall when I’ve flowers coming out, I like taking pictures of flowers. I don’t like taking pictures of people though. Landscapes work better for me. I don’t know what it is about photographing people. I just I cannot do it.

Why do you think you can’t photograph people? Taking pictures of people is not a vibe for me. I don’t like doing it. Probably will never like doing it. I love national parks. I already love being outdoors. I like finding the perfect shot. I know some people may find it annoying or it’s time-consuming or whatever. But you know, finding the perfect lighting and working with the contrast and stuff. And editing, I find it really fun. Just adds another relaxing element to vacation for me.

What are your favorite subjects? National parks, flowers, planes. My family goes to air shows during the summer, I didn’t get to go this summer because of Covid. But planes I like. It’s really hard to take pictures of a plane that’s going like 200 miles per hour. But if you can get the shot, it’s so worth it. But other than that, that’s pretty much it. Just like parks, sometimes trees, too, especially in the fall. One of my favorite shots that I’ve done is taking a picture up through the leaves, like if I’m laying on the ground, and I’m pointing it toward the sky. And I just think that’s really cool. Mostly flowers.

Why did you choose photography as a medium? And how do you feel about other mediums? I’m not exactly sure why I chose photography, to be honest. It’s just ever since I was like, five, I just had fun taking pictures. And it’s evolved into this hobby where I have an actual camera now. And it’s something I do to consume my time. I don’t do other things, like I really don’t read books, but I just like getting outside to begin with. So then to be able to combine that with taking pictures, it’s the perfect mix for me. And I never really thought about other things, to be honest. There are a few other hobbies I have that are like stress relieving or relaxing, but there’s not much, at least not that I’ve tried anyway.