Each person is influenced everyday by millions of things such as other people, nature, or the media. The realm of art functions on inspiration. Many great artist like Van Gogh and Monet have been inspired by life and have produced breathtaking pieces that have lead on to the inspiration of millions of novice artist. Such inspirations are clearly found in many art student’s work at Worthington Christian. This semester, the beginning painting class students where asked to create a portfolio that reflects an idea. This opened a broad spectrum of ideas for the art students. For some, their idea came quickly and they were able to buckle down and begin their painting. Others needed a spark from either some object, scene, or person that struck them and awakened them enough to create a painting about it.
Senior Rachel Walton was one who needed such a spark. She is not one to take the first idea that comes to her. Rachel wanted to make sure her project was the best it could be. Therefore, she spent a bit of extra time searching for inspiration. She declared that “I am not one of those people who think of great ideas all the sudden. It takes me a little time to find the perfect idea. Sometimes I turn to a more experienced artist for inspiration, such as Mrs. Heisey [the Worthington Christian art instructor] or Mrs. Heath [ Worthington Christian photography teacher]”. Rachel eventually discovered her inspiration. It was something that has been in her life forever and has affected who she is today: her family.
Recently, Rachel took a family trip to Colorado. She enjoyed the scenic nature and the quietness of the wilderness. She and her family went on many hiking trips while in Colorado. On these trips, she took her camera and took numerous pictures of her mom, sister, aunt and cousin walking on the trail and exploring. Rachel states that “I was really inspired by the relationships within the women of our family. I was inspired by their strength and freedom. Later I decided to do this semester’s art project on the pictures I took of my aunt, mom, sister and cousin exploring.” Rachel took many pictures of her sister on a rock, or her cousin exploring the river, or her mom and aunt talking. Out of about thirty pictures, Rachel chose one of her mom, aunt, sister and cousin ahead of her, each exploring while walking along a trail.
Mrs. Heisey thinks very highly of Rachel. She declared that “Rachel has demonstrated a hard work ethic. I have enjoyed seeing her develop into a fine artist. Her ideas are strong and clear.” Rachel has enjoyed her semester in art and is eager to see her piece come to completion. She is very pleased with her idea and is excited to turn it in and have it be critiqued. “I highly recommend taking an art class here at Worthington Christian: even if you think you have no art talent, it’s a great way to express things you feel strongly about”.
