Vol. XI
March 24, 2017
Issue VII
ROGUE VOGUE Finding Fashion in Ashland
LILI MORRISH Q
What inspires your fashion sense?
A
Social media helps a lot, because I can access a lot of people’s ideas that aren’t represented in main stream media. Also, Iris Apfel is one of my biggest inspirations.
Q
What’s your favorite piece in your closet? Anything with a significant meaning?
A
I have a huge, blue, llama sweater that my art teacher and mentor gave to me, and it was her mother who knit it in like 1972. I really cherish it. I also have patent red Doc Martens that are really comfortable, and whenever I wear them I feel secure. They’re comfy, they’re shiny, and I can do anything in them.
Q
In one word, how would you describe your style?
A
Eclectic.
Q
Has your style changed during high school? Considering I’ve only been in high school for less than a year, I don’t really know how to answer that. I started off with a Mohawk, and now I have a green shaved head, so that’s spicy. I feel like I’ve chilled out a little bit more with what I wear. Just in terms of prioritizing being comfortable more than having a complete look, which has been a good thing in my life.
A
JAMIN HUTCHINGS Q
Do you feel pressured in high school to dress differently?
A
In terms of conforming, I think in the past I wouldn’t wear some of the things that I would wear now, because of what other people might have said. Now I’m open to wearing whatever I want.
Q
What is your go-to casual Sunday look?
A
You know how people say they look terrible during school, but then on the weekend they get all dressed up? That’s like the opposite for me. I feel like I get more dressed up for school than the weekend, so I’d probably be wearing something laid back and chill like sweatpants and a t-shirt.
Q
In a one word, how would you describe your style?
A
My style is inconsistent. I don’t have one style.
Q
Has your style changed during high school?
A
Definitely. If I had pictures to show you guys I would. I think I’ve always had style, but I haven’t always had the tools or maybe the money to get what I wanted. photos by Charlie Burr
fiber arts by Gemma Coster Nothing inspires art more than a swath of fabric, a ball of yarn, or a splatter of paint. From creating something as small as a pocketbook to something as large as a quilt, students are applying infinite creativity in Ashland High School’s (AHS) Fiber Arts classes. In general, Fiber Arts embraces a broad range of crafts that are comprised of sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, tie-dyeing, and essentially anything that is composed of fibers. Laura Davidson, the current teacher of the Fiber Arts classes, sees fiber arts as a fun way to learn new skills which are “something you can do forever.” Davidson, who went to Linfield College in Oregon for a degree in fashion merchandising, has experience in costume making, tailoring and pattern construction among many other aspects of the fashion industry. She has had a connection to fashion and design since childhood. She reminisces, “my mother taught me as a girl.” In her first few years at AHS, she noticed there was a demand by students to bring back the Fiber Arts class that had been previously canceled due to budget cuts. Davidson advocated for the students, and ever since then, the classes have always been full. Her enthusiasm for the subject is clearly evident, even more so while educating a group of young people. Davidson declares, “I love teaching this class!” The success can be accredited to Davidson’s passion for teaching as well as donations from the community which have been vital for the success of the program.
AHS offers two fiber arts classes: an introductory and advanced course. The beginning class presents the basic techniques of sewing and knitting. with projects such as pillow cases, bags, hats, personality flags and pajama pants that prepare students to take on more advanced projects. Comparatively, the Advanced Fiber Arts class is driven more by individual interests, with the students taking the reins over their activities. Recent projects have included recycled clothing, infinity scarves, pencil skirts, potholders and a study on color. The advanced class is noticeably unique because not only are projects rarely repeated, but students are allowed to take it as many times as they wish. Davidson says, “I don’t want to do the same thing every semester.” With that in mind, she often decides on the semester’s tasks by assessing the trends of the moment and keeping an eye out for ideas that are different and original. The work that students complete are taken home and often given as gifts to their loved ones. Some students venture to create exceptional pieces of art that have the honor of being displayed at AHS’s annual Winter Fine Arts Festival as well as at The Websters in downtown Ashland during the First Friday art walks. Nonetheless, whether it is hats or fine art pieces, Fiber Arts offers each student the skills to achieve artistry and see the millions of possibilities available at their fingertips.
“I love teaching this class!” -Mrs. Davidson
knit wits by Sequoia Snogren-McGinnis Once a week during lunch, the sharp click-clack of wooden and aluminum knitting needles can be heard in the halls of Ashland High School (AHS). The soothing sounds of Grandma’s house are produced by the Knit Wits, a club led by Hesperus di Properzio and Sarah Ford. The two welcome anyone into the club, no matter how much previous experience one may have with knitting. The group size usually varies between 5 and 30 people depending on the week. Knit Wits was originally founded by AHS English and Social Studies teacher Nancy Martin and 3 of her friends in 2000. Laura Davidson, AHS’s Fiber Arts teacher, was their advisor. The club was originally called the Old Ladies’ Club (not only limited to female students) where students got together to knit, crochet, and share baked goods. “At one point [we] hosted a “teach teachers to knit” event, where we got to teach our teachers a new skill,” recounted Martin.
photos by Henry Cook
Di Properzio says that these days, new club members start off with a small square of knitting to get the hang of it, then move on to things like leg warmers and fingerless gloves. In addition to personal projects, every winter Knit Wits makes and donates approximately 100 hats to Dunn House, a battered women and children’s shelter located in Medford, Oregon. Members of Knit Wits say that they like going to the club for a number of reasons. One perk for club members is the 5 hours of community service awarded per hat made for Dunn House. Other things that are widely enjoyed include the fun, social community and the unique, handmade gifts that can be given by club members, as well as the fact that the club and materials are free. To take part in this fantastic, artistic club, go to Theatre-18 during lunch on Tuesdays and experience the world of knitting firsthand.
The club was originally called the Old Ladies’ Club (not only limited to female students) where students got together to knit, crochet, and share baked goods.
Student Gallery
Ian Rinefort Junior
Peter Sloan Sophomore
Kaden Swart Senior
Charlie Burr Sophomore
Cedar Barnes Senior
Ellie Carter Junior
Lyric Sylvan Sophomore
The Role of Graffiti in Society
Graffiti may have a negative stigma, but is it really all that different from commisioned public art? editorial by Laila Borden
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ften the most memorable detail of a city is its public art. Skillfully arranged in visible locations, the pieces construct an image of the city as a work of art that begs to be remembered. Artwork commissioned by cities is usually terrific and rightfully admired, but a form of public artwork just as deserving of attention and admiration can be found in more obscure areas, gracing the surfaces of previously bare and boring walls. Indeed, public art appears in many forms that can be enjoyed by communities, including graffiti. Yet, brilliant as graffiti art can be, our society turns its nose up at it and it is usually painted over. While it may not seem to conform to the same artistic standards as Michelangelo’s Pieta or Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate (known by many as “The Bean”) in Chicago, graffiti plays an important role in our society. During Italy’s Renaissance, art was commissioned
as a progressive element of society: a tangible representation of Italian values and political, social and cultural changes which occurred during the era. The art of the Renaissance was widely commanded by the rich and powerful, as is still the case with many modern art installations. In contrast, graffiti is often conceived by people with less municipal authority. There are different forms of graffiti as well: tagging is a simple form of graffiti in which the writer merely “tags” a surface with a signature, whereas street art is often more planned, makes a political statement, and/or is aesthetically pleasing. Both are illegal without explicit permission from a proprietor. Nonetheless, like Renaissance art, modern street art is an expression of the struggles and ideals of the community in which it appears. Because street art is not commissioned, it is not censored. This often means it
can be controversial, but it is the unique peculiarity of public non-censorship which gives graffiti an exceptional niche in modern society. Artists must be discrete, but if they succeed in completing their piece they have the opportunity to present their raw opinion to the masses without overt claim or personal condemnation. Despite the accusations that graffiti artists are vandals, the action in itself is vital for a progressive society. In a world where reality is assumed by each individual, it is healthy for diverse perspectives to reveal themselves to us in unexpected places. While our lives are often consumed by our own points of view, and we may not be ready to listen to others, art catches the eye and provokes thought in an unobtrusive way. To this extent, public art not only adds beauty to shared spaces, it stimulates connection and communication between members of a society.
photos by Laila Borden
Within Digital Art A
Video game art by Jessica Hirsh for her college masters portfilio. Graphics made for the Within game created by the Video Game Club at AHS.
Video game design: a new art form in the age of technology by Ivy Amann
s technology advances, modern art has evolved to include a popular new style: digital art. Digital art is a new career that encompasses many different fields and focuses. One of these focuses is game design. Video game design involves the planning, layout, photography and 3D art of the game. As it proves to be a difficult career to make a living in, only the best of the best make it in the industry. AHS alumnus Jessica Hirsh pursued a career in game design, but found it harder than she thought to get a job. She attended Southern Oregon University studying digital art. After acquiring an undergraduate degree she decided to attend Southern Methodist University in Texas. During her stay she majored in digital and interactive game design with a focus in art creation. She described the major parts of video game design
as including the development of concept, storyboard, character, environment, color, modeling, and texturing. Although she is not currently working in the field of her dreams, she still has a lot of knowledge about video design and advises that students work an internship for practice and experience in the field. AHS students Alec Meyers and Elijah Cobb also aspire to become game designers and are gaining experience by having established the Videogame Club where they have created an entire video game called Within from scratch. From the background and different areas and levels of the game to the character design, Meyers, Cobb and the others in the club have worked for over a year on the game. Meyers taught himself and the others in the club how to use the program Game Maker to create their game. They even got
the chance to take Within to a competition in Salem, Oregon where they got feedback from adults specialized in various fields under the overarching career of game design. Meyers’ goal is to completely finish the game over the summer and then go to college to major in computer science. Although Meyers understands the difficulty in obtaining a job within the design industry, he shows lots of enthusiasm about his future. Although it can be difficult to make a living from game design, it can be very rewarding after all the tedious work is done. Because digital game design is always evolving and growing with technology, Hirsh reminds aspiring designers to continue practicing and using creativity to stay on top of the ever-changing industry.
Art Through the Years Mina DeVore
What was your moment of inspiration?
“I did a sculpture for my 8th grade project and that really got me going with art... the sculpture inspired my drawing becuase it gave me a 3-dimensional way of thinking about art. “
5 years old
8 years old
Cross Haris
What is your personal artistic style?
Cross prefers to draw faces and figures, saying, “people are the creme de la creme for art.” Adding, “the biggest change I think is that my art used to be more black and white because color is hard to manage but recently I’ve been adding more and more color.”
7 years old
11 years old
Kyra Smith
How do you plan to incorporate art into your future?
“[I got into] Cal Poly where I’m doing graphic communication, which isn’t technically art, but is artistic creative stuff.”
8 years old
14 years old
13 years old
12 years old
16 years old
15 years old
16 years old
17 years old
Fiona Morris
Fiona Morris has been writing poetry since she was eight years old. She is inspired by the works of poets such as Robert Frost, William Blake and Emily Dickinson. Morris has recently published her first book, Poetry Tingles the Heart, a collection of poems and art which will be sold in local stores around Ashland. In addition to poetry, Morris writes recipes and short stories. She hopes to continue her career as an author in the future.
Different Mediums by Ava Hearn
Julian Hill
Offspring
This bird will never return to its nest. While her chicks await to learn to fly. The rain comes from the falls, from the grave. Told and taught by offspring. I can picture her lover in her cunning, From the cold darkest pull, from the tenderness of her heart.
Rebecca Lopez
A child would think this was a game.
Julian Hill channels his creativity through a variety of different mediums. He has been interested in video games for as long as he can remember. Hill started teaching himself how to script and design video games a few years ago. He has since designed one 2D game and is currently working on designing a virtual reality video game that will be on display at Science Works in the beginning of April. Hill also loves to do wood-working, jewelry design and paint.
From their own childish prattle, the offspring heard the sounds of crying behind chamber doors. ‘Tis the weakness of the weeping souls I’d founder upon. This nest if the eggs that I’m holding in my bony hands. From a lifetime, why a baby must be born.
Rebecca Lopez has been painting since she was nine years old. She has taken several art classes in high school with teachers, Sam Scharff and Alan Parowski. She loves to color and hopes to keep doing art in the future. Her favorite thing to draw is horses.
photos by Ava Hearn
Culinary Arts by Jackson McRae The culinary arts require both an eye for beauty and the skills to make something delicious. Mastering the skill-set to craft a piece of food that tastes great and is appealing to the eye can be difficult, but is something that Ashland High School (AHS) has made accessible through their Culinary Program. The class, run by Carol Newcomb, is offered only to the students who have previously taken at least two foods classes before it. As such, the skill level in the class is tremendous, and the products of the cooking come out gorgeous. One student in the class, Rojelio Perez, is an aspiring culinary competitor. Having been in the foods classes since his freshman year, he chose to continue into the more advanced class with hopes of learning some crucial skills for his adult years. When it comes to his way of cooking, he takes a very ground up approach, in that the way he improves is by his own failure and by learning from what others tell him. His favorite part of cooking is how others respond when trying his food, even when they dislike it, because it gives him room to improve on his cooking. For aspiring chef competitors, Perez recommends taking time on cooking and baking, and making sure that the work space is clean and organized. Getting into advanced cooking isn’t easy, even for those with years of experience. Given time and advice from others, however, even experienced cooks can still learn a thing or two.
photos courtesey of Josh Dorcak and Garrick Kosct
Spoken Word Poetry by Nicole Mullen The art of writing and presenting poetry is an intellectually stimulating and creative outlet for people who excel in expressing complex ideas through words and vivid imagery. The art of writing and presenting poetry feelings and imagery with words is a powerful art medium that allows a unique avenue for self-expression. The newly founded Spoken Word Poetry Club at AHS offers an opportunity to do just that. Club founders Hannah Hackett and Si-
“Spoken word poetry is one of the purest ways to share your heart with the world. It can be heartbreaking, honest, beautiful, funny, and uncomfortable. It is just you speaking your truth in your voice with your words. When you’re standing in front of the microphone completely naked, it takes courage to share your heart like that, yet it is also one of the most human things we can do.” –Hannah Hackett, co-founder of Spoken Word Poetry Club
enna Ross hatched the idea for a spoken word poetry club during math class when they realized they had a shared love of poetry and its performance. “We had this vision of having a club where people could come and write and share their poetry,” stated Ross. Members of the Spoken Word Poetry Club alternate between quiet poetry writing sessions and presentations of original or relevant poetry. Club members Alex Brehmer and Dylan Kistler have par-
Drive by Alex Brehmer I’ve reached the point in my life where bestowed upon me is the magnificent giftOf learning how to drive. This is the moment that I have dreamed of since I found out that fast food chains stay open 24 hours And that I would never have to walk in the winter again Slyly I slip behind the wheel permit burning a hole in my pocket, and turn on the ignitionSuddenly, I, a 16-year-old girl of about 130 pounds, have been transformed into a 2 ton killing machine capable of going 120 miles per hour And If that doesn’t scare you- nothing will. White knuckles grip the wheel, teeth bared, nostrils flared, not even the most desperate hitchhiker would get in my car if he were daredI’m going 30 on the Freeway. shaking with adrenaline as horns blare behind me Middle fingers dangling out of windows and my teacher wishing he had more seat belts I finally climb to the speed limit And it hits me A screaming flashing fantasy of barreling off of
Lost Generation by Jonathan Reed I am part of a lost generation and I refuse to believe that I can change the world I realize this may be a shock but “Happiness comes from within.” is a lie, and “Money will make me happy.” So in 30 years I will tell my children they are not the most important thing in my life My employer will know that I have my priorities straight because work is more important than family I tell you this Once upon a time Families stayed together but this will not be true in my era This is a quick fix society Experts tell me
ticipated in Slam Poetry nights at Caldera Brewery in Ashland. The club allows for a personal approach to writing and presenting that allows every poet to feel comfortable in the welcoming atmosphere. Spoken Word Poetry Club encourages focus and creativity allowing an avenue of creative release and expression for those who wield the pen more often than the paintbrush.
30 years from now, I will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my divorce I do not concede that I will live in a country of my own making In the future Environmental destruction will be the norm No longer can it be said that My peers and I care about this earth It will be evident that My generation is apathetic and lethargic It is foolish to presume that There is hope. And all of this will come true unless we choose to reverse it.
the road. My tires would cry as they veered past the white lines A sharp right turn and We would flip once twice THREE times into the wilderness I would be thrown from my seat and everyone I’ve ever loved would die. Flash back to reality My Eyes swollen shut Back heaving HOW COULD I KILL EVERYONE I KNOW tears turning passing headlights to starbursts And from starbursts to explosions I should note that this is only my 3rd drive. I study the face of each driver that passes me I wonder if they feel it too The sudden weight of every life ever lived closing around them I’m surrounded by strangers who seem so at ease How are they not crying too? My teacher tells me we should have a healthy respect for the road I think I’m better off staying home.
“Poetry is important to me because it’s so personal. I can translate images and abstractions in my mind into something tangible and I find solace in that.” - Sienna Ross, co-founder of Spoken Word Poetry Club
photos by Henry Cook
BATTLE OF THE BANDS by Liv West
Organized by the Leadership class, Battle of the Bands was successful in showcasing some of the best bands at Ashland High School. The event has
truly evolved from the days of 1980s air-band competitions. Featured at the performance on Saint Patrick’s Day (Friday, March 17) were some won-
derful original songs, brilliantly reworked covers of classic songs, and at the end a spontaneous jam session including all competing musicians.
Next came Toglo, a duo consisting of Alex Brehmer and Jonah Naymik. Amongst some fantastic covers, the pair performed an innovative original song that perfectly captured the relationship between a person and their dog. Equipped with a snare drum, a cymbal and a guitar, Toglo was similar to the type of coffee shop band one could imagine seeing in a Wes Anderson film.
pictured from left to right Gabe Neimark, Abe Neimark, Tia Wilhelm, Kipling Parowski, Mumi Thiaw
pictured left to right Christopher Buckley, Xandre Herrera, Liam Keith
The first band to play at the event was a trio known as the Feral Groove. The band included Max Morrish on drums, Christopher Buckley on bass guitar and Liam Keith on lead guitar and vocals. The energy that the Feral Groove brought to the room was felt by every person in the audience. The group started up the night ferociously, and a highlight was their stylish revamp of Adele’s Someone Like You.
pictured from left to right Jonah Naymik, Alex Brehmer
The audience was wowed by the last stop – which was the name of the final band to play at the Battle. The Last Stop showcased Tia Wilhelm on keyboards, Kip Parowski on bass guitar, Gabe Neimark on drums, Abe Neimark on guitar and Mumi Thiaw utilizing her fabulous vocals. A highlight of their performance was I Want You Back by the Jackson 5. Though it was a close call, the Last Stop took home first place.
covers designed by Liv West
FILM MAKING BY AHS STUDENTS by Colin Timmons
photo courtesy of Grace Schroder (captured from film)
Cinema is one of the most important forms of media. It can make the viewer laugh, cry, scream, or think. Films influence everything from lingo to fashion style and reflect the world we live in. Filmmakers are constantly working to perfect camera shots, lines of dialogue, and movie scores. Through hard work, time and dedication they can achieve their dream. But filmmakers have to start somewhere, whether independently or through avenues such as the Ashland High School (AHS) theater department. This year AHS theater will be attending the state acting competition and debuting the short film Perseverance. The film was directed, written and produced by Grace Schroder and conveys the struggles that artists experience. Though she has written stories in the past, this is Schroder’s first time directing
photo courtesy of Liam Pettee
a film she wrote. Schroder will be featuring 3 actors. Filming began the last weekend of February and Schroder plans to finish before spring break. Though Schroder has done acting, tech and writing, she loved the filming process and all that comes with it. For students interested in independent filmmaking, the Ashland Independent Film Festival is one of the major ways local filmmakers can show off their work. Due to being capped at a 5 minute run time, the student films featured must be creative in their ways of conveying the message. AHS student Liam Pettee will be showing off his film, A Day in the Life. Shot in a video log style, the viewer will follow 4 members of a parkour team as they run and flip their way through landmarks of Ashland. “It’s an experience not many know about,”
Pettee explains. “Parkour carries a lot of mixed opinions. On one hand, some people thinks it’s cool. On the other, people are afraid we’ll hurt ourselves and take no shame in kicking us off their property.” Pettee plans on going forward with film making and also plans on submitting higher quality vlogs and films into the AIFF. “I honestly didn’t know it would get in,” Pettee says. “Next time I’ll try different shots and put more effort into it.” Pettee’s film will be showing on April 7 and 8 at the AIFF and Schroder will be attending the state acting competition on April 5, in Salem Oregon. Their filmmaking aspirations will not end at high school and they both plan on continuing with their journey into cinema.
DOODLES by Dylan Kistler According to the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology, retention of dull information is found to be up to 30% higher in those who doodle while listening. Paired with the auditory and languagebased intake, doodling introduces visual and kinesthetic activity to round out the 4 “essential modalities” of learning. This is due to the fact that doodling does not in fact a vehicle for the mind to wander, but rather is proven to assist the brain in focusing on the present moment while quieting worries about the past and future.
Our bias against doodling is in part due to the word’s various meanings throughout history. In the 17th century a doodle meant a fool, and in the 18th and 19th centuries the word was used to mean swindling, ridiculing, or a corrupt politician. Today one of the official definitions for doodle is “to dawdle, dilly-dally, or monkey around.” Thus the word itself makes it more difficult for students and teachers to accept this habit despite its proven benefits.
“Corporate Deathmobile” by Alan Parowski (above); monster doodles by Nadine Clark (below). All other doodles were found and the artists are anonymous.
A 2014 study by professor Gabriela Goldschmidt concerning architecture and design students found that doodling on pages of notes helped spark a “dialog” between the brain, the eye and the hand holding a pencil. The engagement of normally dormant parts of the brain during note taking is especially beneficial when working to learn names, vocabulary, and other written information which the mind struggles to turn into meaningful, visual memories.
Design Board
Editors-In-Chief.............Lili Smith, Karl Moeglein, Lucas Searcy, Frankie Mora, Zaida LaRose, Maisie Roberson Front...............................Mouminatou Thiaw, Tia Wilhelm, ...............................................................................Jade Bromley Rogue Vogue...............................................Sophia Wiencek Fiber Arts and Knit Wits...................................Nicole Sagal Student Gallery.......................Jaxon Witters, Ian Rinefort Graffiti/Digital Art...............................................Charlie Burr In-Depth...........................................Raisa Rich, Ayla Prusko Culinary Art/Different Mediums................Garrick Kosct, ...........................................................................Lillian Witnauer Spoken Word Poetry.....................................Madison Fung Battle of the Bands.................................................Kiara Hills Doodles....................................................................Ellie Carter Art Walk....................................................................Lily Annen
Art Walk by Lily Annen
During the First Friday Art Walk this March, the Ashland Gallery Association (AGA) celebrated young student artists alongside well known local, regional and national artists. Throughout the month, AGA galleries will be filled with paintings, drawings, mixed media and jewelry pieces from student artists. The Annual Student Exhibition 2017 opened on March 3rd. The community is encouraged to come support these bright young students’ artwork.
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18 17 Eva Berg 2 Lillian Ljungkvist 18 Mina DeVore 1,16 JD Miller 13 Izzy Duval 14 Eamon Morris 11 Cross Harris 6,19 Lukaiel Reece-Sullivan 5,8 photos of art by Ava Hearn, Charlie Burr, Sonora Jessup 3,10 Liv West and Uma McGuire
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Nicole Sagal 15 Kyra Smith 7 Cora Stonewood 9,17 Mayla Sumner 12 Cedar Taulbee 4