This is the nineteenth annual instalment of Emerging Talent featuring the exceptional work of senior art students from high schools throughout School District 43. The Art Gallery at Evergreen is privileged to once again host this exhibition which showcases such a broad and diverse range of artistic interest and accomplishment.

The retired art teachers, Jerry Pietrasko, Keith Levang, and Kelly Seldes serving as the exhibition jurors faced a daunting task to select works for exhibition from so many worthwhile works submitted. I congratulate them on a tough job about which there can be no doubt their effort is eminently commendable. I’d also like to extend thanks and appreciation to Dionne Mok, Curatorial Intern from Riverside Secondary who has, it can surely be seen, done an exceptional job designing the exhibition. This is, to my knowledge, the first time the exhibition has been designed by a senior student (her work is also on view). On behalf of the Evergreen Cultural Centre I offer congratulations to each of the participating students in the Emerging Talent exhibition. I also extend sincere thanks to all of the teachers who continue to guide, inform and support the artistic development of students in our community.

Gregory ElgstrandCurator, Art Gallery at Evergreen

A MessAge froM evergreen

School District #43 (SD43) Local Art Teachers Association is proud to announce this year’s Emerging Talent student art exhibition in collaboration with the Art Gallery at Evergreen. This year’s event celebrates a rewarding nineteen year association between the Coquitlam Art Teachers’ Association and the Evergreen Cultural Centre.

Emerging Talent 19 features the work of dedicated Grade 12 art students from six secondary schools who are preparing to continue their visual art studies at the post-secondary level. Many of these students have already been accepted by art schools and institutions locally and throughout North America. Each of the art pieces featured in this show has been selected by an independent panel of jurors; Jerry Pietrasko, Keith Levang, and Kelly Selden. The jurors are retired art teachers and practicing artists who are familiar with the “emerging talents” of secondary school art students.

This wide selection of student work includes paintings, photography, graphics and digital media, mixed media and sculpture. The themes are as individual as the students themselves. All art pieces are created as part of the students’ portfolios and this exhibition offers them a unique opportunity to show their work in a public gallery. Their art teachers appreciate the opportunity to showcase student work at the Art Gallery at Evergreen and look forward to seeing the variety and talent that makes up this exhibition every year.

I would like to thank the staff at the Evergreen, their sponsors, the Coquitlam art teachers, the three judges, and the students who have all helped to make ‘Emerging Talent 2016’ a wonderful event again this year.

Melanie StokesCoquitlam Art Teachers’ LSA

A MessAge froM school District 43

rAchel ArMRiverside Secondary

I was inspired to begin drawing by my sister, Heather, and by my school friends. Lately I’ve expanded my methods by drawing with traditional mediums, such as pencil, fine liner and copic markers, and I plan to start painting more in my free time. Of late I have experimented with abstract concepts, including philosophic concepts, our innermost selves, or concepts revolving around time, space, and the multiverse theory.

Monument is a memorial to the trees that, in the future, will be cut down. Monument’s story is based in the future when people then will miss the trees of today and miss the life-sustaining oxygen that trees give us. The people of the future will build a monument such as this to remind the world of the importance of trees. Masks started with the idea of a character that had multiple forms. The masks she holds represent two forms of one person – one of an elf while the other appears to be human. She has taken off one of the masks, and it has transformed back into a normal wooden mask because without her behind the mask, the mask holds no power of its own.

I plan to attend a post-secondary institution, and am a candidate for 2-D Animation at Capilano University. I will be considering other schools that offer animation and creative writing courses.

terrA BAeGleneagle Secondary

The ideas in my art works are mainly based on beauty of nature, problems in society, and traditions from different cultures. I enjoy using mixed-media because it allows me to play and experiment with different materials. The concepts that are presented in my artworks are corruption of society, the Cinderella complex, and identity of self.My untitled piece is about self-identification, and I used acrylic as my medium. The wooden model represents me looking in a mirror with no background. All the flowers represent what people see in me and the potential I have.

I have been sent an early acceptance letter from Emily Carr University and I am planning to spend my foundation year there.

PAolA cervAntesRiverside Secondary

My mom had put me into painting classes in Mexico to learn to paint with oil paints when I was three years old. Fifteen years later, this is still my strongest wet media technique. I’m very glad that I can continue to make work that makes others smile, stare, and analyze and create stories. Seeing this in others is my inspiration to keep working and keep painting.

Staring Into the Eyes of Death: Perhaps death is cute. Maybe death isn’t that terrifying. Death does not necessarily have to be scary. I imagine that this large kitty-eyed death beast roams the wild and the moment that this painting captures is when the beast finally notices its victim. This oil painting was inspired by the dream-like world of Skyrim, as well as the paintings of several fantasy artists. Elderly Beauty: Once we get older they say we lose our beauty, but I believe that even at our oldest age we will still be beautiful, inside and out. Each wrinkle on this woman’s skin adds to her beauty and thus to that of the drawing.

After high school I plan to attend Vancouver Film School or VanArts or Goblelins or Sheridan College to get either a diploma or degree in 3D/2D Animation. After my years in postsecondary animation school I plan to work as a character animator and hopefully live my dream of working for Disney, Pixar or Dreamworks, or all of them.

Paola Cervantes, Staring Into The Eyes of Death

chloe (chieh) chAngPort Moody Secondary

I have always had an interest in art and am inspired by the human anatomy, drama, and my surroundings.

The scratchboard, A Blended Family, represents myself as a Chinese immigrant, and I think family is the most important thing of my life. I chose the kangaroo and seahorse as symbols for family since it is well known that these two animals raise their children with great care. Vicious Beauty was created by scattering four pieces of printed image segments on the paper, then I used a 4B pencil to fill in the blank. For this piece, I intend to create excessive contrast by implementing a gothic style. Most importantly, the style itself has an ambiguous feeling since it combines both horror and beauty, to create contrast like light and dark or death and life.

My goal is an education in Art History; and to attend the University of Toronto to pursue a Master’s Degree in Art History, which will enable me to become appraiser, archivist, curator, or exhibition designer - having the opportunity to be exposed to a greater variation of art forms.

lUcAs chUngDr. Charles Best Secondary

My creativity is a small, curious monkey. It’s always interested in new things and concepts to have fun and play around with. It likes to interact with the audience and play tricks on everyone. Although mischievous, the monkey always learns from each experience and improves upon future tasks.

My work contains the common theme of the “Playground,” a place where a particular group of people choose to enjoy themselves. My pieces speak about the reality of today’s digital playground and how the media influences the new generation to believe in fantasy.

In the future, I hope to develop pieces that inspire innovative ideas, specifically through animation. I want to be a lead designer in the animation industry. I’ve set my eyes on studying at Emily Carr, Capilano University, Sheridan University, RISD, and CalArts. Emily Carr is my first choice because of their focus on process within the First Year Foundations Program. In the end, my ultimate goal would be to allow my inner monkey to evolve, as it ventures out into the world.

Jin KYUng (JAne) hAPort Moody Secondary

What inspires my art are the people around me. Sharing my ideas of the world, and getting reactions from others makes me feel alive. Feelings/thoughts about relationships between people and the world; are manifested through different mediums expressing many different ideas.

The concept behind Perspectives is how people think and interpret things differently even while they look at the same art. Also, there’s order and chaos, as the eyeballs form an orderly pattern, yet its creepiness adds tension. Moreover, my face is placed at the very bottom which makes more tension. The Storks is one huge image that people can see from a distance and another detailed image when seen from close up. Also, storks mean joy and sadness at the same time. After I heard that my mom had a miscarriage when I was in Grade 7, I was sad and got inspired. There is a mythical story that storks deliver babies for parents who do not have a baby. So, the storks carry the baby to the mother who is happy to see her baby. The huge baby face with a few storks and tear symbolize my mother’s sadness.

I’m applying to Communication Design at Emily Carr University, and Advertising at OCAD University. I would like to make my art that people can actually participate in, and enjoy all together.

AnDreW hongGleneagle Secondary

My work is mostly inspired by Japanese Manga. I really like this kind of art work because of the exaggerated style opens up a lot of possibilities to express my imagination. I enjoy digital and ink pen drawing. I actually don’t like to put themes or deeper meanings in my drawings because I want people to enjoy my artwork just for entertainment.

Emotions is an acrylic painting influenced by Roy Lichtenstein’s style of Pop Art. Each face represents emotions with the use of different colors.

I’m planning to apply to ECUAD , OCAD , MICA, and CalArts. My future plan is become a cartoonist.

YAsAMAn hoorfArGlenenagle Secondary

We all love something or someone so much and the times we spend together is an escape from life. Life experiences, history, modern society and culture inspire me most in creating art. I enjoy working with a lot of different mediums but I mostly enjoy digital arts, acrylic and clay.

Boundless reveals how I feel and how I want to become as an artist. My self-portrait as a Greek statue represents my desire to eventually transform myself from a young artist to a master of arts. Behind the Door is a memory of “the monster in my room” when I was a little kid. I used to have a hard time falling asleep thinking there was something hiding in the closet.

After I leave high school, I want to pursuit a career in fashion design or communication design. I am planning to study Communication Design from Emily Carr University of Art & Design. I have already received an early acceptance from ECUAD and a portfolio acceptance by Paris College of Arts, France.

seo YoUng (eileen) hWAngGleneagle Secondary

When I am inspired by an idea, I love to explore and research the best method, medium, and technique to express it. My art work tries to address and comment upon my subjective experiences but also the political and social conditions that have an impact on us all.

Dichotomy between Dystopia and Paradise is a diptych that explores the controversial issue of the natural world versus technology and pollution. I was inspired to create this piece by the works of Hieronymus Bosch. Still Life with Vases, Glasses, and Fruits is an acrylic painting done from observation. Noting the significance and popularity of still-life paintings throughout history, I attempted to render the composition of my objects accurately and aesthetically. In the Wake of War was done on scratchboard and is a personal piece related to my grandfather’s time in war.

In the future, I would like to teach art in a studio and classroom setting, or work as a curator in an art gallery. I have applied to the Rhode Island School of Design. As a result of the National Portfolio Day interviews, I have received an early acceptance to the Emily Carr University of Art and Design and School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Blake (Ruo) Jia, Room

BlAKe (rUo) JiAGleneagle Secondary

Since the first time I learned about Surrealism in my school class, I was attracted by its concept of arranging impossible things together. Influenced by this, when I plan a new project, I always try use the concept of transformation to make it become more interesting. I really enjoy working with ink and acrylic paints since both of these two mediums are lots of fun to use.

Room was my first time using is an ink for a drawing. I tried my best to use as many techniques as I could in order to experience the main features of ink; making layers and creating contrast.

My dream is to become an interior designer. I am applying to Ryerson University and Ontario College of Art & Design.

MAggie JiAngDr. Charles Best Secondary

Born and raised in Xi’an, China, I was surrounded by exquisite and magnificent ancient buildings, I became fascinated with the unique atmosphere they created. Since childhood, the seed of art quietly germinated in my heart. Architect, I.M.Pei once said, “You cannot defend your work without knowing what you are designing for.” After studying fine art for almost six years, I was drawn to architectural design and industrial design.

Complexity and Connection combines architecture and the figure together. Like a buildings’ structure, people have complex thoughts and complicated, precise body structures. Different thoughts and decisions will lead to different directions. The second black and white drawing, Dragon, is inspired by the traditional Chinese dragon. It is a symbolic painting, and the main figure, the dragon, and small surroundings which include pomegranate, carp fish as well as lotus are all symbols for luck. .

I would like to study Architecture in the future, and I have applied to the University of Waterloo, the University of McGill and the University of Toronto for their Architecture programs as well as SFU for its Interactive Arts and Technology program.

i JUn KiMGleneagle Secondary

Most of my drawings are all about my interests, concerns, and memories. My favorite medium is pencil crayon because I can draw details clearly.

‘Triangular Puzzles’ is about travelling to different countries and seeing their iconic buildings. Using technique of pointillism with markers and paper mosaic, I recalled the memories of my journeys. Rather than one outstanding building, all the different styles of architecture create a harmony as if they are considered one place and piece. ‘Hold it’/ ‘Held by it’. Walking down the street, it is common to see how people focus on their cellular phones rather than nature or their friends. Addition to this device it affects people both mentally and physically.

I am applying to School of Visual Art, New York and Pratt Institute and I have received early acceptances from the University of the Arts, London, England, California College of the Arts and School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Jason Kim, Charaxes Aeturnus

JAson KiMPort Moody Secondary

Art has always been an outlet where I could express my thoughts and beliefs. One of the most important sources of inspiration for my pieces are the mythologies and folk tales of Asian and European cultures, old stories which are rich with symbolism. My pieces focus on marrying the old with the new by using these inspirations to provide commentary on contemporary societal issues that I believe strongly about, with a particular focus on gender identity and orientation.

Odd and Otter is a tonal graphite piece. The otter is symbolic of things that I relate to, including curiosity, playfulness, femininity and liminality. The juxtaposition of the keyboard at the bottom of the piece further enhances the creative aspect the otter symbolizes and adds an amusing detail to an otherwise realistic drawing. Thanatos is a ceramic piece based on the character Hannibal Lecter, the Native American mythological beast known as the Wendigo and the Greek god of Death, Thanatos. This sculpture’s focus was on society’s curiosity and desensitization of death and fear in modern media. Charaxes Aeternus (Eternal Butterflies), my most recent ceramic/mixed media piece, is the culmination of my education through IB Art. Based on the Chinese legend of The Butterfly Lovers, a tragedy of the lovers Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, the theme of gender identity and sexual orientations are visible even in these ancient tales and I attempted to represent it in a modern context.

Art is an important part of my life and will continue to be in my future. I intend to minor in visual arts complementary to a major in Nursing at UBC Okanagan. My hope is to be able to work on the development of Art therapy as a means of rehabilitation and psychological expression.

MichAel KiMGleneagle Secondary

My art is mostly influenced by my own experiences. I harvest my ideas from personal feelings to social justice. I am a fan of acrylic and digital artwork and in my artwork, I try my best to let the art speak for my emotional self.

Etc. is inspired by the subject of gender identity where people don’t identify themselves simply as just boys or girls. Untitled, is China marker drawing with arranged images for a surrealistic effect. Braver Than I Am, is a piece based upon romance and love. I used acrylic and pencil for this.

I plan to continue my post-secondary art studies at Emily Carr University of Art & Design for Communication Arts and Graphics, or Simon Fraser’s SIAT program.

sArAh (YeJin) KiMDr. Charles Best Secondary

When I first started developing an interest in drawing, I was most influenced by the ‘pretty’ drawing style of Japanese comic books. The characters were unrealistically beautified, and had exaggerated features such as big, round eyes, sharp jaw lines, and skinny figures. When I started sketching people with references, either from a photograph or live models, I realized how much I distorted the figures to shape them to my liking. This series displays the distortion of female bodies wearing undergarments designed to accentuate and beautify their figure.

Clasp represents a woman adjusting her “bra” by stretching her skin to clasp it together. The female figure shows no response to a pain that should follow with the strain in her skin. The figure in Cinch represents the perfect, desirable skinny waist formed with the help of a corset. Stretch displays a woman stretching her skin, mimicking the nylon material in stockings. The end of her leg forms a smooth, shiny point, like that of a needle. The figures’ expressions to their body’s abnormal formation remain quite dull rather than distressed.

I am happy to say that I will be attending the First Year Foundations program at Emily Carr University. I am eager to see what directions my artistic journey will take me, wherever I may find myself in years to come.

clAUDiA lAMGleneagle Secondary As an avid fan of animated films and Saturday morning cartoons, I have learned to embrace the bright and whimsical aspects of art. I have a great affinity towards animation and ceramics but I also enjoy testing many different techniques and art styles.

My untitled ink and acrylic piece recreates chaotic glimpses of my daydreams and thoughts. Cycles of Life is an acrylic triptych that focuses on the important issue of deforestation and features the forgotten relationship between mankind and nature. Through this piece, I wish to highlight the importance of acknowledging the simplest things and inspire others to slow down and live in the moment. Stepping Stones is a ceramics sculpture about exploring and travelling the world. With the different images on each box, I hope to inspire others to experience the excitement of exploration and travel.

I wish to pursue animation as a career and am applying to Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design and VanArts.

JessicA lAMRiverside Secondary

As an artist I am inspired by the little things in life. I see symbolism in subjects and these symbols are sometimes strong with purpose. I am influenced by Georgia O’Keeffe for her simple, yet elegant view of Nature’s work. This influences me to keep my own pieces simple and strive for as much ‘awe-factor’ as possible.

Everlasting is dedicated to a person who is very special in my life. He used to give red roses to his significant other every year on their anniversary. The fabric on the collage symbolizes his bed as he sleeps eternally under the stars and the moon, with the mirrors reflecting the memories of those he knew down upon him. His loved ones will never be forgotten. The butterflies are there because he is now free from the long and slow suffering. Now he can fly because all weight has been lifted off his shoulders.

My future plans include attending post-secondary for fine arts at Langara. After my studies have finished at Langara, I wish to attend the Art Institute for their Baking and Pastries program where I hope to become a cake decorator.

cAroline leeCentennial Secondary

There are flaws in every human being. No matter how hard one tries to improve themselves, there will always be evidence that they had once suffered. No matter if it is brought upon by society or self-inflicted. I have recorded my past struggles and hardships through non-offensive visuals, in order for all audiences to view them without feeling a sense of immediate depression.

Haven depicts a scene in a heavenly world with giant yellow beings roaming around. This piece is about the euphoric period of time one feels while high on drugs. This may leave the viewer with questions. If this period of euphoria acts as a haven for some people, why should they quit using these drugs? If it’s a source of happiness, why should we strip them of such feelings? Pest is a self-portrait done with fine liner marker and pencil crayons on an illustration board. The moths symbolize annoying people who camouflage with your friends, the flowers. As I am tormented internally by the pests, I am also fighting against them. It is a cycle where we “eat” each other alive.

My future plans are to attend Emily Carr University – which I have already been accepted into after portfolio day- then find a career as a character designer for a video game company.

Jill leeGleneagle Secondary

Much of my inspiration comes from my surroundings. I draw to capture a particular moment in time, to magnify its particular characteristic, then to transform it into my own.

The Boat was created for a dear friend of mine. It symbolizes his personality, his journey to Canada and our friendship. I listened to his story and used my own interpretation to create the piece. The idea for Girl Holding a Lamb came from a visit to a farm I made last summer, I was inspired by a little girl holding a tiny lamb in her arms. The girl had a hint of sadness in her smile which was an unusual sight since she was the only child who wasn’t jumping and running around. My digital piece The Cave demonstrates the endless possibilities a person can perceive while being restricted by society.

I have received an early acceptance from Emily Carr University of Art and Design, where I plan to study after I graduate in June.

MelissA leeDr. Charles Best Secondary

Art is not limited to things that are simply pleasing to look at; my inspiration to create art came with the notion that it could also be used to communicate more profound and conceptual ideas. I often structure my work around the themes of life, development and identity.

Identity In Progress is a portrait done with acrylic paints on canvas. I sought to create a visual representation of the evolution of identity and the progressive journey of self- creation. To replace what could have been a face of chiseled perfection with something damaged— paper that has been crumpled, ripped and torn—tangibly expresses the conceptual journey of defining and creating an identity that suits us. With the constant aim to refine ourselves into the flawless visions we have developed, this piece highlights the imperfections of ourselves that we must learn to accept; once paper has been crumpled or folded, its edges may be difficult to smooth out again.

I am aiming to continue my education and begin a career within the art industry. I have applied to programs at Capilano University’s IDEA School of Design, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, and Simon Fraser University School for the Contemporary Arts.

lorrAine liHeritage Woods Secondary

One of my dreams is to make a difference with my artwork. I hope they carry some meaning that either highlights current issues or that simply inspire people to appreciate the beauty of things around them. As a result, most of my inspirations come from historical and political news events and everyday objects.

I have applied for the University of Toronto Major in Art and Architecture, where I hope to pursue my interest in illustration and develop my technical and conceptual.

niKKA liMCentennial Secondary

My artwork has been strongly influenced by the childhood stories that I was told when I was a young girl. When I create mixed media art, I am given the freedom to use a combination of materials that altogether fabricates something that wholly represents my art style. Frequent concepts and themes that are emphasized in my artwork are of an abstract and surrealistic nature. Flowing, disconnected lines and shapes give me a leeway into forming the whimsical images in my head.

Whimsical Reverie represents certain aspects of who I am as an individual. I am often daydreaming wherever I go, and have idealistic notions that somewhat contradict with reality. The cooler hues represent my wandering thoughts, whereas the warmer ones represent my yearning for colour and light. Moreover, I have a passion for traveling as well, which is indicated by a printed image of the Eiffel Tower.

My future plan for art is to get into the university, preferably Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

ivAn (lifAng) liUGleneagle Secondary School

I have always been interested in architecture and different styles of buildings. One day, I got the idea to draw an exploded building and after many drafts, I finally had the concept of drawing multiple buildings in one art piece. I used ink and charcoal to create the overall effect.

Architecture is my dream job. In order to have the skill for an architect, I am studying extremely hard to acquire the knowledge that is required to be an architect. I am planning to study architecture at the University of Waterloo after I graduate from school in June.

Ivan Lo, Goldfish Street

ivAn loPort Moody Secondary

Being from Hong Kong and moving to Canada just last year has influenced my work tremendously. Not only do I have great concern for issues in both of these places, it also affects how I see my life right now. The cultural difference that I experienced has inspired me to express my ideas through art.

Goldfish street is a cryptic this pencil crayon piece that shows Hong Kong’s special street scenery and the vibrancy of the street market. The double image is of two old fishes formed by various items found in the street market. The lanterns fans and pieces of cloth are all traditionally sold in the street market, where the old woman waits patiently in her store. Although she is tired, she still stays at the street market to keep the tradition going. Death’s game is a graphite piece is that expresses how war is such a terrifying event looming over our lives. Some people often quote our news nowadays and say that we are at the verge of World War 3. To me, war is very chaotic and only results in more chaos, where death is like the final order that all of us must abide to.

My future plans are to explore other areas of art and possibly go into animation as a career. I really enjoy the beauty of animation especially in movies, and I hope to take part in creating animation work. My plan will be to apply to an animation college in Toronto.

AshA MAcDonAlDHeritage Woods Secondary School

I am mostly inspired by my own memories and feelings, and tend to show emotion in my pieces in a whimsical and authentic way. My paintings are a reflection of myself and my own beliefs shown through mystical and mysterious figures and settings.

New Beginnings, painted with watercolour and ink, is a piece that I painted while in recovery from a major surgery. I wanted to include a cultural aspect to my piece by painting Ganesh, the God of Beginnings. I feel that Ganesh parallels my recovery, as the God is worshipped for the removal of obstacles, which was my surgery. Pretty Thoughts, painted with watercolour, is the by-product of an idea that I had after listening to a song. I wanted to show that no matter how beautiful or attractive a person may be, they will always have negative thoughts about themselves, and wish to change aspects of themselves to feel ‘pretty’ or ‘accepted’. Don’t Cut Us Down was painted with watercolour. I wanted to emphasize the importance of our forests, and the sadness that comes along with deforestation resulting from construction. I enjoy being in nature because it gives me a clean perspective on life, and allows for inspiration in my art, like this piece.

I have applied at Emily Carr University of Art + Design with high hopes of learning to improve my skill and eventually become a Graphic Designer or Illustrator.

JeAnie MAoGleneagle Secondary School

The stories of fantasy worlds and enchanted animals and princesses that captivated me as a child still have that magic today. I want to be able to stimulate that same feeling in others.

The acrylic Red Portrait expresses the feeling of uncontrollable volatility that accompanies true rage. I wanted to express the feeling of anger that has been bottled up for too long. The multiple squares and distortion on the piece represent the person’s turmoil as they struggle between completely losing it and maintaining their calm.

2:00 AM is a digital painting about a story of a girl who swallows a falling star and finds herself in the position of a sky painter. It is also a piece that captures my wish for the boundless freedom that I feel that I

(and many others) lose bit by bit as I grow older and take on more and more responsibilities and expectations. The sunfish and other sea life were inspired by my visits to the aquarium and an expression of the beauty and wonder of nature.

I plan to study animation at a post-secondary level and eventually work in the animation industry. I am applying to the Character Animation program at the California Institute of the Arts, the animation program at Emily Carr, the School of Interactive Arts and Technology at Simon Fraser University, and the animation program at the School of Visual Arts. I have had my portfolio waived by the Maryland Institute College of Art and am planning to apply there as well.

AMAnDA MAssePort Moody Secondary

Inspiration in art often derives from the world inside and outside of ourselves. As I began my artistic journey in Grade 9, I spent a great amount of time searching for the true inspiration, or rather, the true implications subconsciously added to each piece of art. Now in Grade 12, I learned that each piece of art is influenced by the balance of emotions, both impersonal and personal, which we are all constantly surrounded by. With this in mind, I have created a strong image of myself in the arts. “Ceaseless Influence” creates an unseen world of emotional influence, with positive and negative emotions cycling around each other in a silent battle. This cycle, though negative and positive, creates the fundamental backbone of the human existence: Balance. Our emotions will always change, however, this influence is what allows us to grow as individuals and as a society as a whole.

I have not yet decided which career I will pursue or where I will apply for post-secondary school as there are still a few months before I will be sending my application. Art is currently a major part of my life, thus I am hoping to continue in a post-secondary institution, likely focusing on architectural design or a form of the fine arts.

MAKenA MillsGleneagle Secondary School

I like to bring my childhood imagination into my art and to have a story behind each piece. I particularly enjoy working with acrylics, with digital media, and lately, with ink.

Mother Mother is a portrait painting of the Canadian Indie rock band from Vancouver. The band is a great inspiration to me because each of their songs has a deep meaning behind them; like my paintings, each song tells a story. The painting is almost a visual layout of their music. I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream is a dark twist on a scene of the everyday ice cream man. I wanted to use the concept of the Anglerfish, a deep sea fish that lures its prey with a light on top of its head. I used a similar idea about children being lured with ice cream. I colored the kids in multiple colours with pencil crayon to represent the different flavours of ice cream.

I have received an earl acceptance to Emily Carr University of Art and Design where I plan to continue my post-secondary art studies. My future plans are to get a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Illustration or Industrial Design.

chelseA MoRiverside Secondary

My artist name is MoruMoraBox. My goal is to be an illustrator, character concept artist, or a manga artist.

Crimimonsters uses watercolour, ink and fine liner. Its name combines the words ‘criminal’ and ‘monster’ and the meaning is therein explained. The criminals, are portrayed in a comical style so children can try to learn about the little creatures I drew. I have been inspired by Korea and their way of having a raccoon wearing a police suit as a mascot to represent justice, and the police system there. Why not portray criminals the same way so the children can interact with the Crimimonsters and truly have their own understanding of what is wrong and right.

I have applied for Emily Carr, I plan to take the transfer program there so I can experience broader perspective of other universities while working with Emily Carr’s illustration program.

Dionne MoKRiverside

My art is inspired by the environment surrounding me, and by my feelings. I like to link my art with the world and with myself; it gives me an opportunity to share my personal thoughts and the perspectives of our community.

Dream is an acrylic portrait. I really enjoy portraiture. Faces have always been my favourite things to draw and I was excited to take on an acrylic portrait. I get inspired from the people around me. As we slowly grow up into adulthood our perceptions about dreams change. One’s dream may become an unstable thing. Nature was done with pen. The concept of this piece is to think about a particular environmental issue, specifically deforestation. I targeted the idea of combining humanity and nature. With man’s natural desire to expand human living space and financial influences, we realize that the environment suffers for this process to take place. My last piece, EYE, is a mixed medium work. It was done by acrylic and oil. With it I was working with the concept of depth and viewpoint.

I am planning to attend Emily Carr University of Art and Design and I have received early acceptance from the National Portfolio Day.

MeloDY neJAD Gleneagle Secondary

As an artist, movies and video games are my inspiration. I want to recreate the same feeling I get from them and then pass that on to others.

My untitled portrait is me with a tranquil expression. However, the hair that streams behind me is vibrant and the little figures inside the hair represent everything going on in my head. Oliver is an experimental piece. I wanted to challenge myself, to see if I could blend and create textures of the face and skin. The flowers in the background were more of a spontaneous idea, and it filled up the empty background nicely. This piece changed a lot throughout the process. Archangel illustrates a story I’m currently writing. The figure is the main character. Along with the story, I wanted this character to look and feel imposing, or almost threatening in a way.

I am in the process of applying to Capilano’s ‘IDEA’ program, and once I graduate from Gleneagle I will go on to pursue a job in the on-line gaming industry.

oliver niKUlA Riverside Secondary

Oliver has been drawing for as long as he can remember, however he decided to start taking art more seriously around Grade 7, where his class had to choose a passion project to do over the whole year. Reflection, is made to make the viewer do just that: reflect. Inspired by the phrase “there are two sides to a coin”, the piece is meant to show that not everyone’s outside disposition matches the one on the inside such as how a genuinely happy appearance could appear on such a horrific and excruciating person who is cold, cruel, and calculating. When looking at Impressions, do you see a man, or a woman?A person up to no good, or someone just minding their own business? Would you trust this person around your child, or would you want them to stay away as far as possible? There is no correct answer to any of these questions, and really, they could all be right or all be wrong. Enchantress is an experimental work that kick-started a love of blending with markers. This experimental piece turned into one about loss and moving on, and how someone, who may have just recently seen death, is still able to shine through and present herself as a colourful person. She is unable to let the past drag her down into a melancholy, monochrome existence. After graduation, Oliver Nikula aspires to be an animator or character designer for animation. He hopes to go Capilano University to take the 2D Animation program. To meet this goal, he draws every day in an attempt to push his work further and to improve in his skill base.

nicole oishiCentennial Secondary

One of my major introductions into the world of art was through my father. It seemed to me he always had a sketchbook open, teaching me small techniques and tricks that made a world of a difference in my mind.

Questionable Happiness is done with watercolour on watercolour paper. The figure was based of someone I know but I then expanded upon it using watercolour. For my future plans, I wish to attend Emily Carr in this upcoming school year, in either the graphic design program or Fine Arts. I have also been considering architecture at McGill, which interests me after completing my undergrad program.

hArrie PArKGleneagle Secondary School

Stalemate was inspired by a song. Two creatures are shaking hands as if they are companions. Around their hands, I put positive images such as flowers. However, each one is hiding weapons behind their backs. The thorns and vines illustrate their hidden hostility.

The second piece, Devoured, shows how media influences and affects people in general. The girl is “eating” media and getting crystalized by the media. The fragmented crystals represent the freezing of her thoughts. Young people are easily influenced by the media. I used paper maché with the traditional Korean paper with letters, in order to emphasize the fact that the piece is about problems caused by media.

I have received an early acceptance from the School of Art Institute Chicago.

selinA (seroK) PArKHeritage Woods Secondary School

As I reflect upon the last seventeen years of my life, I realize that since I was a little girl, my life has constantly revolved around art. I will never forget the moment when I was gazing at the tip of the brush dancing on the empty white paper while my grandfather painted a graceful orchid. He studied Oriental drawing at a graduate school in Korea and since I spent most of my week with my grandfather, I was greatly influenced by him.

Hysteria is an acrylic piece that portrays the severity of addiction to electronic devices in a playful way. I have summarized this social issue in this piece by comically communicating the panicked expression coming from the low battery of the phone. Luce In Altis is a piece drawn with pen and ink. The title is a Latin quotation meaning “From the highest place, shine on brightly.” There is chaos and confusion within this piece that comes with the uncertainty and fear from being unsure of what flight of stairs to choose. Global Warming is painted in gauche. I wanted to put my worries towards global warming into images using layers and colours.

Currently, I am writing applications for SVA, Pratt, and MICA. I also received early acceptance based on my portfolio from OCAD university and SAIC. I look forward to seeing what I will be able to accomplish in the future as I dedicate my life to this passion.

clArA PeeKGleneagle Secondary School

In a world as corrupt and unscrupulous as our own, it’s easy to become cynical of the human race. Having always used art as a creative and emotional outlet, as well as being a strong believer of art being the purest form of self-expression, I decided to use art as method of expressing my disillusionment for society.

Strategic Deception depicts the snake as a mysterious symbol that represents strength, cunning, longevity, and eternal life. I find it fascinating how snakes are given both positive and negative connotations. The snake draped around the woman symbolises feminine power, but suggests cleverness, strength, and persistence. I was inspired by traditional Japanese folklore and mythology where snakes often appear in the form of a snake-woman hybrid.

In this acrylic painting Min, the subject is a girl and her cat. However, the dreary neutral colour scheme and thin stream of light that illuminates the girl’s face, the cat, and the wall adds to the dingy texture of their surroundings. The state of her clothes, uncombed hair and tired, lifeless face implies to the viewer that she is homeless. I wanted to subtly indicate without being too harsh or graphic, a scene of poverty.

gABrielle PoitrAsGleneagle Secondary School

My art is primarily related to nature, and specifically animals. As you look at my work you will see a general theme of showing small snapshots of nature, focusing on its simplicity or fragility. I attempt to show nature in a very simple way with the hope that I can influence people to appreciate and protect our environment.

The cat prints are a series I have named Time. My inspiration for these prints was my grandparent’s cat and their old house and how the cat would look out of the window all day as if it was watching something or waiting for someone.

My future plans are to do a two-year diploma in fine arts at the Langara College. On completion of that I plan to continue my studies in Europe, likely in London, England.

AMY sAlvADor Gleneagle Secondary School

Inspirations can come from everything around me. Using different materials and textures into my work is fun for me because I enjoy using a lot of 3D materials.

Modern Mary is a mixed-media piece which depicts the religious figure of the Virgin Mary. For the creation of this piece I first cut out a stencil of Mary to spray paint the design. The center piece is made with paper and the spray painted design and the background is made with fake flowers and gold spray paint. Some of the flowers I used are called Larkspurs which mean bold spirit which is why I chose them to represent my version of the Virgin Mary.

I plan on attending Emily Carr University of Art and Design this coming fall. I have received early admissions based on my portfolio from the National Portfolio Day. After taking the initial first year foundations course, I plan to transfer to the Kwantlen Polytechnic University to take my BA in Interior Design.

DAnA schoenhAlsGleneagle Secondary School

As a photographer, I aspire to take photographs that speak to both the viewer and about the values I feel are important in my life. I strive to create work that carries meaning. As one who has always been shy with words, photography is the perfect outlet for me to express myself.

‘War Paint’ depicts my views on internal beauty vs. outer beauty. How would one look if inner beauty could be transferred to the outside. What would be seen and how would we be treated? Would people think differently about us if they saw the beauty that lies within?

I hope to attend either Parsons: The New School or Paris College of Arts this coming year although I have also applied to Emily Carr University of Art & Design and The Pratt Institute, New York.

isABelle soAresPort Moody Secondary School

I have always been very curious about the human mind and how others think. A central theme in many of my works reflects this in that it focuses on how others take in information and the mental process involved. I find I enjoy working with watercolours the most because of the many diverse techniques I can explore to convey a specific mood in my piece.

Layered Understandings is about beginning to Understand the different ways people think. If I was able to look into my mind and see the knowledge and experiences I have had throughout my life, this is what I think it would look like. I wanted to recognize that the people we surround ourselves with affect how we think, act, and feel and may shape these experiences. I used watercolours to show the fluidity of the mind.

I plan to continue on in the arts at the School of Interactive Arts and Technology at Simon Fraser University. I am really looking forward to continue my education in this program as it combines, according to the program description, “the science of human experience, the analysis of media, art and culture, and the implementation of new technologies.”

AshleY (cAiYi) songPort Moody Secondary As an artist, I am often inspired by the elements around me and my own emotions. I also look for this in film and novels which I think are able to express more than visual art, but a complete conceptual insight.

Lovely Pet is chalk pastel drawing about my anxiety, animal’s natural act. I often think about human development’s impact on nature, and how the animals might attack humans just like the way we destroy their habitat. Flowers of identity is a miniature sculpture piece made using Sculpey (polymer clay). The traditional hand gesture is an irony towards the action of stripping of the dragon scales. This very much describes my situation, I can never change who I am no matter how hard I try, because I can only be who I am. An Insight is a digital photograph I took while I was in the city on the border of Tibet, China. I was fascinated by the strong cultural influences and

KelseY vossPort Moody Secondary

My journeys in life are what inspire me to create art. I go on various outdoor expeditions where I am lucky to be able to witness the significant force of nature and the serene beauty of it. Nature has inspired and shaped who I am and what I want to do in life.

The Forest is my Canvas uses a forest as a metaphor of my life, through the journey of life on dark and light paths, growing and maturing as the trees would, connecting with other individuals, and painting my own life with every brush stroke ahead of me. My Protector and My Releaser, based on the sacred oak of Celtic cultures, displays a representation of me struggling to make myself in the world. The oak, a symbol of strength and wisdom, has guided me and protected me for childhood and adolescent years, but now it is time for me to step out into new territory and experience life without the protection of my care givers.

Though I do not plan on engulfing my career in fine art, I plan to keep art involved with my future. Ideally I would like to combine my two major interests, art and the environment, and involve that in my future path, hopefully in environmental design.

the faith they have for their lives. The photo has strong emphasis on the use of colour as I think it is one of the beauty of their culture.

I am planning on continuing my art career in the future as I have applied for multiple universities with art as my major field of study including majors such as: Film and television studies at New York University Tisch School of Arts, Visual Arts at University of Toronto, and Museum and curatorial studies at Western University.

Ashley ( Caiyi) Song, An Insight

Jessie WonGleneagle Secondary School

My ceramic sculpture is inspired by a scene from the movie Finding Nemo. When Dory, a tang fish, was attracted by a light in a pitch black pit, behind was a horrifying anglerfish, waiting to gobble her up. Anglerfish are a type of fish that lures their prey with a fleshy lobe attached to a filament that arises from the snout and hangs in front of its mouth. They live in deep parts of the ocean, thus, it is impractical to find one without a submarine. The theme of my work is that things are not always as they appear. ‘Anglerfish’ surround us in forms such as cellphones, fast foods, drugs, alcohol; they even exist in people. They lure us in pleasing ways, causing distractions from what is more important.

My future goal is to become an architect where I could use my imagination and creativity to build extraordinary buildings that are pleasing but also caring about spaces. I am applying to architecture programs at the University of Waterloo, the University of Toronto, and Carleton University.

grAce WongDr. Charles Best Secondary

Sci-fi movies have always enthralled me with surreal depictions of unnatural phenomena. As a digital artist, I spend most of my time working with graphic software, creating artworks that involve concepts of fantasy, realism, or a mixture of both.

Alter Ego is a digital painting filled with warm tones and even high-lights to evoke an inviting calmness. By pulling pixels, water ripples are achieved, giving the work a completed feeling similar to nature. Judgment involves both photo manipulation and digital painting technique. The eye is manipulated with posterized photos that create a more realistic outcome than the painted robots. The twin robots signify the generalization of human emotions. Anxiety and anger are the main expressions seen and they stand for one’s struggle to make decisions in life.

My future plans are to study animation at either Emily Carr University of Art or Design or the SIAT program at Simon Fraser University. I hope to be accepted into the Hollywood film industry someday as a concept artist or a 3D modeler.

AlAn WUGleneagle Secondary School

I enjoy reading short stories, novels and watching movies. These inspire the ideas and creation of my artworks. I love using different mediums to make realistic and surrealistic artworks with fine detail. Most of my artworks are about social problems, human nature, and different cultures. I also like to use the natural world to illustrating to express my emotions and experiences.

Discovery is an ink drawing of a pavilion near where I live. This pavilion is close to my apartment and it is on my way home but I did not notice it before. I realized that I might ignore beautiful and interesting scenery around me in my daily life so I drew this work as a reminder that beauty is always around us, but due to our busy lives, much is often ignored. Day & Night is a surrealistic acrylic piece which presents a variety of perceptions. It is human nature that people can have completely opposite point of views about one object and people might be prejudiced and have a stereotypical idea about things based on their own experiences. I have applied to Emily Carr University of Art & Design and Ontario College of Art & Design. I hope to continue studying art in one of these universities in the future.

Alan Wu, Surrealistic Day & Night

crYstAl YeRiverside Secondary

I started drawing and painting when I entered high school in China, and I have continued to research and study painting after coming Canada. I am thankful that I met some great teachers who encouraged me to do more expressive arts, practice and never give up. I am inspired by artist and photographers’ works such as Andy Warhol and Kavan. I found that I can learn when reading others’ work, and that this helps me to create my own ideas.

You, Heart and Clock was created by using acrylic ink and master glue. The connection of the heart and clock means the importance of time in our life. Saving time is a powerful way of respecting yourself.Flying Away was painted on canvas with acrylic. I can see myself on the plane flying from the east to west, leaving my hometown and coming to a new place. Unknown challenges in life are waiting on the other side.

I have applied to Emily Carr, OCADU in Toronto and UAL in London. I hope that my multicultural background will help me a lot on developing my own unique style contribute to my design work.

tiffAnY YePPort Moody Secondary

My art is myself; the ability to create something from nothing, and the potential of instilling this ‘nothing’ with a world of meaning, has always intrigued me. It is the reason why I wish to pursue a career in art—I wish to communicate. Art, in its simple existence, educates and instills its message universally.

Secrets is about truth, things hidden, and beautiful, painful shame. It expresses aspects of myself that I hide from even today — a secret internal thought that differs from an external image of perfection.

The Human Condition is a piece about the layers of reality, and how we view them. Inspired by a work by Magritte by the same name, I wished to depict both Magritte’s and my fascination with the unseen and unknown — how fragile and limited our perception of reality is. At a glance, my piece may appear as the image of a girl, her henna-decorated hands perhaps indicating an Indian ethnicity. Looking closer, one notices that there are strips—layers—that divide the image, but continue seamlessly into the lines of her

portrait. Yet these layers include the areas that capture her eyes, and the majority of her face. Do these layers depict what is hidden underneath? Do we truly know the appearance of this girl’s face? Ethnicity, culture, experience, society—these all act as layers of one’s reality that influences, or ultimately form, a perspective—a mask. We view others through this lens, sometimes perceiving only the factors that influence theirs. The color of her skin. Her clothing. Will we ever see clearly? Perhaps not; as Magritte states: “Everything we see hides another thing, we always want to see what is hidden by what we see.” That is the nature of the human condition—we each are trapped but empowered in a version of reality of our own making.

Art is important to who I am and who I will become. I am also practical regarding making a living I the field therefore plan to combine art and business education heading to commercial design; at York, U.B.C. or Western.

oliviA ZengGleneagle Secondary School

Born into a family of artists, I have always been surrounded by artistic energy since I was very young. My family would take me to numerous art museums and I grew to love the works of some of the most skilful artists in history. Inspired by the works of Ilya Repin, Vasily Surikov, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and many more, I wish to be able to create works that are as intriguing and skilful as theirs. Over the years, I have come to love working with acrylic and oil paints the most.

Voltaire is a charcoal drawing of the original sculpture by Jean-Antoine Houdon. In this piece, I wanted to show strong technical skills in being able to translate the beauty of a sculpture into the beauty of a drawing. My goal was to be able to successfully depict the under-lit lighting to give the drawing an almost ghostly nature to portray the darkness of the Voltaire’s philosophy and his controversial nature.