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A Banner Year for AP Artists
artsDELBARTON NEWS
A Banner Year for AP Artists
In yet another of the many COVID pivots, in 2021 the Delbarton Art Department replaced the traditional AP Art Exhibit & Reception with an online presentation of digital Sustained Investigation Portfolios created by seventeen members of the 2021 AP Studio Art Class. We are proud to highlight each artist with his senior portrait, a quotation from his artist’s statement, and a sample of his art. Access each artist’s complete digital portfolio on Delbarton.org.
Alexander Vandenhende’21 “Through my art, I want to explore light. Light itself seems intuitive: we are born able to observe it, we instinctively understand how it moves, and we can control it through technology. Yet, from a physics standpoint, light is extremely complex. It is both a particle and a wave, is massless yet can exert force, and scatters when intercepted by a prism. Yet, I had to ask myself; how can I best explore light through art? I concluded that glass, a transparent catalyst for light, would be my best choice of medium. In my sustained investigation works, I draw glass, especially cut glass, on matte board with white charcoal to explore the intricateness and complexity of light. Shadows, reflections, distortion, glass gives me the opportunity to draw and understand light. I hope that you have a better appreciation of light as a result of my drawings.”
Photos by Peter Wallburg Studios
Jack Benitez ’21 “Towards the end of my Junior year, in collaboration with Mr. Rodi, a decision was made regarding the best medium for me to use for my Sustained Investigation project. My visual study was to be based on various wild plant life found within Jockey Hollow, and my medium would be dry-point etching, a technique I loved as a result of an etching project based upon statues at the Met.”
Gabriel Benz’21 “During my junior year, I learned that I wanted to create some sort of abstract artworks, but also wanted things to flow and be controlled. I looked toward nature to help me with my inquiry because of its seemingly chaotic yet organized systems and structures. When studying my nature references, I realized that a lot of the shapes and forms that I found in nature were similar to the parts of the human body. Through my artwork I’ve been able to explore that relationship. By finding similarities within these two unlikely forms, I have truly discovered that we are all connected in some form or other.” Morgan Cecil’21 “Benedictine and Catholic values recognize the importance of art as a means of expressing personal and religious ideas in images. Only through art can a person begin to capture the beauty and love of God. At Delbarton, our mission is rooted in Benedictine values, yielding a renowned and impressive studio art program. My introduction to this program during my sophomore year sparked my interest in art at Delbarton. As one of the greatest inventions of all time, the light bulb has had a profound impact across the globe in the physical world as well as in literature and art. In the arts, light bulbs symbolize life, innovation, and intelligence. Each bulb has a unique and complex, yet very simple, structure which is meaningful to me because of its symbolic connection to my personal life. In my sustained investigation, I will depict this ordinary, everyday object in a new aesthetic to illuminate its complex metaphorical and physical significance.”
Jack Alexy’21 “... This enjoyment has led me to my Sustained Investigation focusing on guitars. Inspired by Picasso and the Cubism movement, my work reflects different aspects of how I view the sculptural forms of guitars. Color, shapes (both exterior and within), texture and perspective, every angle is looked at and is personal to me. I hope that you, as the viewer, can also find your viewpoint in my work.”
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Ben Davis’21 “I’m continuously captivated by the freedom and expression that art holds and use that to fuel my artistic energy. Art is an outlet for me. Whether it is simple doodles in a notebook or complex drawings in different mediums, art is a way for me to reflect and express my feelings. For my Sustained Investigation, I merged the two things that are incredibly important to me that I do on a daily basis - rowing and studio art. My images detail a day in the life of a rower and the beautiful complexity of the sport. I have illustrated several aspects of the sport such as the equipment, the athletes, and the different motions of the boat. Each image is developed through various techniques and processes involving mixed media.” Tony Fajardo’21 “My Sustained Investigation focuses on the night view of urban settings. Most importantly, I wanted to structure a narrative, a journey, through these settings to capture one’s visual experience. I decided to use scratchboard as an effective medium to achieve the effects of contrasting lights and darks. In particular, streets and buildings provided me with forms that carry the viewer’s eye through linear perspective. There’s something special about the nighttime that expresses fascination, wonder and bewilderment within the city that cannot be replicated in the daytime. The large buildings and streets can be overwhelming for some, but my Sustained Investigation has allowed me to reveal a glimpse into a small world that only lasts for a few hours.”
Andrew Rasmussen’21 “Photography is quite different from any other art form, especially photojournalism. There is no eraser, no technique to cover over mistakes. Just a shutter button and my subject. Time flies by in a blink of an eye. And a miss of click can never be replicated. Through the viewfinder, I gradually learned that I was capturing others’ emotions, attitudes, and mannerisms. A lesson I eventually learned through photojournalism is that I have no influence over my work. My personal emotions do not matter. While the angle, lighting, and technique used to take the shot is dependent on myself, the work itself is expressed solely by my subject. Good photojournalism is a narrative in its own right. I hope that in viewing my images, these stories can be related to you.”
Owen Hand’21 “I’ve lived on a farm for over a decade now, but I often find myself not appreciating my beautiful surroundings. Most days, I drive by cows, sheep, donkeys, pigs, and chickens without giving them much attention. Through my sustained investigation, my vision has changed. I now look at my farm animals with a new perspective– seeing them as if I am viewing them for the first time. My development as an artist and the acquiring of different techniques has enabled me to represent the characteristics of farm animals, or at least my perspective of them. With this in mind, I began investigating animal portraiture. After starting with stoic, formal representations, I turned to a fauvist palette that further reflects the wide variations of my animals’ characteristics.”
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Ethan Low’21 “My Sustained Investigation focuses around electronic components. Keeping with my love of pencil drawings, I sought to portray electronics in a different, more abstract way. By magnifying complex arrangements of geometric form and design, I approached my images in such a way as to bring out beauty in those things that we otherwise take for granted.
This year, AP Studio Art has been a time for me to create art that I want to create. It’s a time where I can take a break from the stresses of everyday life to just draw. Now, I have the discipline to sit down, to create, and discover the fact that doing art brings me a different type of joy— the joy of something coming alive on the piece of paper in front of me.”
Declan Maseker’21 “I have always been intrigued by the history of humankind—namely evolution—and the ties to nature it has embedded into our identity. However, in an age of rapid technological advancement, I fear for humanity’s loss of it’s intimate connection to nature. Thus, I have decided to concentrate on portraying this profound relationship in my series of works. Rather than standing by as high-tech innovation disconnects humans from the natural world, I employ the fruits of our rapid technological growth (Photoshop) to emphasize the link that humans have with nature, and the individual subjectivity to experiencing natural environments.”
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Ryan Smith’21 “Now, I construct my own library of work, filled with entries of which now mostly consist of my sustained investigation. In my current work, my goal is to elicit the theme of consumerism through the linear arrangement of mass-produced candies; additionally, stark highlights increase the animation and journey the eye throughout. At its inception, I portrayed the subject realistically and in a hyper-detailed manner, but as I enter the experimentation phase, I am working to evoke the impression of my investigation’s theme rather than clear delineation of the concept.”
Colin Sutter’21 “My Sustained Investigation focuses on the concept of the “recipe box,” a collection of handwritten recipe cards that hold some of the most essential dishes integral to my family’s traditions. From Christmas Eve Bouillabaisse to birthday Hungarian Cabbage Rolls, I deconstructed these recipes, showcasing the individual ingredients. These forms are carefully orchestrated to transcend the generic table still life – although they are reminiscent of an OldMaster style, I sought to inject familiar elements that transform the seemingly random collection of ingredients into what they represent: a family recipe.” Matthew Morfogen’21 “It was during my junior year studio art class that I was introduced to the medium of oil pastels, and it was that experience that prompted me to utilize that technique to render my images for my xsustained investigation. I begin my process by referencing my own photographs before advancing to a print stage. What has followed since is a development of my technique based upon how I surmise the action I wish to be fully revealed. It has been a wonderful visual journey on both photographic as well as artistic fronts. Experimentation of techniques and mediums, studying colors, perspective viewpoints through this entire process I have had to solve the challenges thrown at me. And what pleasure it has brought me, together with a lot of hard work. I am forever grateful, that I was able to enjoy my travels as one half of a two-man scull… thank you Ms. Lopez, like a good member of the crew you gave as much as I did!”
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Thomas Stauder’21 “In my Sustained Investigation, I have chosen to focus on chalk pastel drawings of still-lifes. In these still-lifes, I assembled assortments of fruits and vegetables against patterned backgrounds. Within these compositions, I have attempted to reveal the distinction between complementary color, the interplay of different patterns and shapes, and the effect of light upon various surfaces. In a similar fashion to artist Janet Fish’s work, elevated views dramatize the compositional elements of my still-lifes. I invite you to explore my visual feasts.” Joseph Udina’21 “During this, my final year, I chose as my sustained investigation to focus on capturing the stylistic beauties of fishing lures, all stemming from my passion for fishing of any kind. In the course of my visual studies, I responded to a multitude of lures that featured varied geometric patterns, vivid colors and creative and dynamic shapes, both within and without.
The works of Surrealist artist, Joan Miro, was a catalyst to the direction I wanted to take. Miro’s art is all about interpretation, and I hope that my works reflect that statement. Miro once said: “I try to apply colors like words that shape poems.” In many ways, I feel as though I’m trying to do the same. I invite you to reflect upon that as you view my own particular interpretations.”
Ed Conte’21 “My Sustained Investigation is one where I want to express an individual’s personal hidden narrative, whether it is through the subtlety of an individual’s expression or through their body language. In referencing my images, I found it important to understand what my model is feeling or thinking before attempting to embody those feelings through the manner of my technique or through high contrasts between light and dark. My use of scratchboard, allows me the ability to achieve those goals, mirroring and dramatizing the emotions and expressions of the people I chose.”
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Delbarton Performing Arts During COVID
Music Director David Blazier says, “It’s amazing to look back at this year and all that we were able to accomplish, even given our COVID hurdles.” Musicians and directors adjusted vocal, instrumental, or theater rehearsals and performances. Instrumentalists performed wearing specially designed slitted masks enabling playing while masked.
Fall and spring concerts took place in the FAC with limited seating and were livestreamed on Youtube to reach a wider audience at home. For our annual Christmas concert, each ensemble pre-recorded its Christmas selections for a well-received streamed performance.
In our Theater program, Abbey Players leveraged streaming and recording technology to share the fall drama and winter musical performances with as many people as possible and create a product that all our students could be proud of.
Blazier says, “It was important to our music directors, our students, and our families to get the boys back in the rehearsal spaces and doing what they love to do. We could not be happier that we had so many opportunities to stay active in the arts at Delbarton this year.”
2021 One Acts Festival
The Delbarton Arts One Acts Festival also experienced a unique COVID twist –all four student-produced one act plays were made available as radio dramas on a podcast platform. After school on April 14, we found teams of writers/producers and actors making great use of the five new Group Study spaces in St. Benedict Hall using the rooms’ technology to create audio versions of the original plays. The production teams include...
New York State of Mind - written and directed by Patrick Smart ’21, sound design and editing assistance by Gina Marasco ’21 (Morristown High School). After the tragic death of their father, the Budd Family is greeted by an unexpected Thanksgiving visitor who reminds them that sticking together as a family is more important than their differences.
Run, Robert, Run - written and directed by Gina Marasco ’21 (Morristown High School), sound design and editing assistance by Wan Virtudazo ’23. While under his brother Brady’s care, the Glennbrook family’s golden child mysteriously vanishes and Brady turns to a quirky true crime podcast to try to make it right and reunite his family.
Nos in Diem Vivimus - written and directed by Hayden Kim ’22, sound design and editing assistance by Tony Fajardo ’21. A determined
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President, his fierce Press Secretary, and the rest of his White House staff are faced with a terrorist attack on the Golden Gate Bridge, causing intrigue and anxieties at home and abroad.
The Fish-Off - written and directed by Jack Tobin ’22, sound design and editing assistance by Trevor Ritchie ’21. The Merrills are having a family fishing trip, but when the overlycompetitive oldest son Johnny proposes a kids vs. parents fishing contest, bonds are tested.
After months of hard work, from March 19 to March 21 the Delbarton Abbey Players –a group of dedicated student actors and visiting thespians from area schools –streamed its filmed production of Working to virtual audiences. With COVID causing Delbarton to revert to virtual classes several times this winter, the production staff led by Director Matt Corica brainstormed and switched from offering live performances to something different: a professionally staged and filmed version of the dynamic musical. It was a bold and successful move. Bravo to all involved for growing back stronger and having the courage and tenacity to try something new.
English Teacher Mike Carr ’01 Pursues Twin Passions: Fishing and Journalism
In 2019, English teacher Mike Carr ’01 was awarded a Delbarton sabbatical grant that covered travel and expenses to support his twin passions for fishing and writing. His goal? To become a published journalist writing about a sport that he loves.
Since then, the professional development grant from Delbarton has enabled Carr to write sixteen articles published in four publications, including On the Water, Fly Tyer, Anglers Journal, and In the Loop. Recently, his latest piece, a compelling profile of Montauk premier fly-fishing captain Paul Dixon, was featured in Anglers Journal.
Carr is a proud alumnus from the Class of 2001 who wears many hats at Delbarton as English teacher, Summer Camp Co-Director, Deanery Advisor, Junior Class Moderator, Film Club Moderator and Ice Hockey Coach. He also shares his interest in fishing with members of the School’s very popular Delbarton Anglers Club.
Carr is grateful that Delbarton helped him focus on fishing and writing and says, “Without Delbarton’s support, I never would have been able to pursue this. I am also able to bring a lot more shared knowledge of creative writing and fishing into my classes and the Angler’s Club.” The Delbarton community salutes Mike Carr ’01 for his many contributions to the School and –with planning, determination and persistence –for navigating his way to a second career as a published journalist.
Dr. Hajduk Steps Down from Mission & Ministry
As of July 1, 2021, Director of Mission & Ministry Dr. David Hajduk will hand over leadership of Mission & Ministry at Delbarton to his Assistant Director Matthew White.
The Campus Ministry program acts as the heartbeat of Delbarton life, providing opportunities for students to encounter God and His love and to respond to that love by leading lives of faith and service.
Hajduk has led the program with enthusiasm since 2002. In 1998, he was hired as a Religious Studies (now Theology) teacher and a faculty assistant in Campus Ministry. He also held several other roles during the first years, including coaching Middle School Baseball and serving as Middle School Moderator. Nineteen years ago, he assumed the role of Director of Campus Ministry (now Mission & Ministry), the first nonmonk to serve as Director. He says, “I had many years of experience in parish youth ministry at the time, and there were no monks available for the job!”
In 2019, teacher Matthew White took on the job as Assistant Director and has helped Hajduk expand the retreat program and run Delbarton’s robust community service program. Prior to White joining his team, Hajduk single-handedly directed all service programs, retreats and days of recollection with assistance from faculty members. This included six
This fall, Dr. David Hajduk, on left, returns to fulltime teaching at Delbarton when Matthew White becomes Director of Mission & Ministry.
weekend retreats — three for freshman and three for sophomores in the retreat center and days of recollection for middle schoolers, juniors, and seniors, along with the KAIROS retreat that was added as a voluntary experience for juniors and seniors. He also organized class level brunches on Sundays for Delbarton students and their families.
In May, 2016, Hajduk successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at the Maryvale Institute in Birmingham, England to earn his PhD from the only Higher Institute of Religious Sciences under the Holy See in the English-speaking world.
Dr. Hajduk and his wife Shannon are the proud parents of eleven children. He says, “It’s interesting to think about the number of nights I slept in that retreat center — perhaps more than any person other than those who actually lived there! ” This fall, Hajduk moves to a full-time teaching position in the Delbarton Theology Department.
Matthew White is eager to accept the challenge of maintaining and building upon the foundation of Hajduk’s comprehensive vision for Mission & Ministry consistent with the School’s mission and says, “No one will ever be able to replace Dr. Hajduk. He has done so much for the school, much of which will go unrecognized. It is an honor to fill the position that he has occupied for so long. Thank you, David, for all that you have done for Delbarton. God has greatly blessed us through your work.”
