WPU Art Professor in Residence Interviews GOPA STEAM Students

WPU Art Professor in Residence/PIR Triada Samaras has recently interviewed several GOPA STEAM students to find out what new art projects they are doing and to hear them speak about these in their own words.

Speaking to Senior Natasha, Professor Samaras said, "I see that you are using this lavender color for a second time in your artwork.  First you used it in your large piece; now I see it here in front of you.  Can you tell me about this?"

Above:  Natasha's larger piece, 24 x 24 inches, marker on paper

Natasha:  "My beautiful friend motivated me to use purple.  Her name is Ashley.  

Prof. Samaras: "Tell me about how you arrived at the forms you used in the pattern in your large piece."

Natasha:  "I got the idea for the pattern I created by working with squares.  It came naturally out of the process of experimenting with them.

Prof. Samaras:  Do you see any relationship between these works of art and any other subject you are studying in school?

Natasha:  "I usually make artwork that resembles textiles like blankets because I see these things at my home.  I have a bed sheet that resembles my smaller painting and I have the color lavender in my bedroom on the walls.   

Above:  Natasha's smaller piece 24 x 24 inches marker on paper

Next Professor Samaras interviewed Dannyelis who created the artwork below.

Prof. S: Dannyellis, these colors are extraordinary.  How did you choose them?

Dannyellis:  I downloaded a free App from the App Store on the theme of: color.  I made a few choices using the App, then I arrived at these colors you see in my artwork.

Prof S. How do you like using technology to help you make choices for your art work?

Dannyelllis: I love it! The App helped me a lot. Plus, I could do it all on my own!

(Two images below: Art work by Dannyellis 24 x 24 inches, marker on paper.

Lastly, Professor Samaras interviewed Tiana, a senior who hopes to go on to art school next year.

Prof Samaras:  "Can you tell me something about this work you are preparing for your portfolio?"

Tiana:  "Mr. Jones suggested to me to try something inventive with two of my favorite animations, so I decided to create a collaboration between the two.  On the right you see the character, 'Courage' from "Courage the Cowardly Dog".  On the left is 'Number 5' from "Code Name Kids Next Door."  I watch these shows on my computer because they are no longer shown on television. I chose the shows because I grew up watching them, and I am very familiar with the characters.   'Courage' in my opinion is not very cowardly; he is actually brave because he saves his owners at the end.

 

I like  "Number Five's" attitude because she is both feisty and hip.  I wanted to combine these two characters and story lines into one art work."

Prof. Samaras:   "Is 'Number 5' the type of person you would like to become or to have as a friend?"

Tiana:  "Yes.  Both!" 

Above and below images:  Art Work by Tiana, 12 x 18 inches, acrylic on paper