an artist MIDST

Creating Art Where You Are

Words by AMY PETERSON

When you’ve lived your whole life surrounded by the same walls, it’s necessary to have an escape plan. For 17-year-old Thea Schermerhorn, that plan involves a pencil, some paper and a big dose of talent. “I like art because it’s kind of an escape for the moment. I can be somewhere else or within the piece as I create it.”

Along with two older brothers and an older sister, Schermerhorn has spent her growing-up years discovering what it is that makes her tick. Turns out she has a knack for a variety of things including skateboarding, video games and cars. But one thing that has been there since the beginning is a desire to draw and create with her hands. “Art has intrigued me ever since I can remember. I would draw all the time as a kid and still do now. I would draw anything and usually give what I would create to my mom,” Schermerhorn said. “I love starting with nothing and taking the weirdest idea and ending up with something amazing.”

Like many artists, Schermerhorn finds the creative process is best attempted on her own timetable. So when an opportunity came up for her to create a piece at the Second Annual Kiwanis Regional High School Visual Arts Exhibition, which was held during MSUM’s annual Visual and Media Arts workshop day this past January, she wasn’t sure how to start. “For some reason being creative under pressure doesn’t go well with me. I would sit down to work on it and my ideas were dry; for weeks I had nothing. I was at work joking with my buddies on how weird the eggplant is and how like, no one buys them. That night I went home and was like, ‘Hey I should draw a hand holding an eggplant.’ I was doing what I love and freely creating art with no pressure and that’s how the eggplant turned out so rad.”

Schermerhorn received on honorable mention for her drawing, and was able to participate in hands-on workshops with over 200 students from 24 high schools around the region. Two people in particular, have played a role in inspiring her to create art. Moorhead High School art teachers Mr. Carlson and Mr. Dunn “both love what they do and have such a unique perspective,” Schermerhorn said. “I have never been a confident artist, and Mr. Carlson has always encouraged me and pushes me to be better, which I feel has greatly impacted me.” She said their love for what they do and their desire to continue improving their talent inspires her to do the same.

As for her future as an artist, Schermerhorn said, “I love art. I love creating art, but I do not see myself living off art. I love being able to do it when I feel inspired, but not as a job. I would like to attend a college for auto mechanics and car fabrication. I love everything that goes into a vehicle.” Pursuing such a career would give her a chance to combine her passion for cars with her artistic eye.

“What you see all around you everyday is what inspires me to create art,” Schermerhorn said. “To me, it’s taking your average eggplant and creating the perspective and twist you own on it. When I observe your everyday life, I see more than what’s there and that inspires me to lay it out so others can view it the way I do.” The world needs more people that are willing to use their gifts to create something beautiful and unique. Schermerhorn is just such a person.