Lydia B’s Art Portfolio — NorthStar Navigator

By Michael C.

Lydia B., a student at NorthStar, created some fantastic artwork. Along with her artwork she included some artist statements. Check it out!

“In my exploration of Afghan culture's beauty, I embarked on two artistic journeys. The first, an Afghan-inspired painted bowl, echoes the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of traditional textiles. Dominated by color, texture, and form, the acrylic layers meticulously mirror Afghan art. Balancing elements became crucial, ensuring harmony in the composition. The negative space around the patterns serves as a complementary canvas, strategically used to highlight the main subjects. As I honed skills in acrylic layering, color blending, and pattern repetition, perfecting the control of negative space emerged as a key focus. Simultaneously, in the realm of digital art, I crafted an Afghan-inspired illustration. Bold lines and vibrant hues captured the essence of traditional Afghan patterns. Balance and rhythm guided the arrangement of elements, with negative space providing a harmonious backdrop. Digital tools brought precision to line work and color application, a new dimension to my artistic toolkit. Balancing digital precision with the warmth of traditional art posed a challenge, met with experimentation in brush settings and textures. While pleased with progress, further exploration of digital techniques is crucial for deeper complexity and a more engaging portrayal of Afghan beauty.”

“The narrative for my completed projects revolves around the harmonious fusion of classical and contemporary art elements. In the charcoal portrait of Michelangelo's David, I focused on capturing the essence of classical sculpture by emphasizing the head, neck, and shoulders. The use of charcoal allowed me to explore the interplay of light and shadow, employing the chiaroscuro technique to create a dramatic and three-dimensional effect. This piece serves as a homage to the timeless beauty of Michelangelo's masterpiece while infusing a modern, intimate touch.

Complementing the charcoal portrait is a ceramic blue bowl featuring a wave-like spiral design. This functional art piece symbolizes fluidity and movement, providing a dynamic contrast to the static nature of the portrait. The choice of blue color and the repetitive wave pattern not only adds visual interest but also signifies a connection between traditional and contemporary artistic expressions. Together, the two artworks narrate a story of coexistence, where classical and modern elements seamlessly merge to create a visually compelling and thought-provoking composition.”

“In the heart of my art portfolio, a symbolic masterpiece emerges, transcending boundaries and challenging stereotypes. The focal point is a clay sculpture representing a dragon, a majestic creature that symbolizes strength and resilience. Its scales, meticulously crafted, narrate stories of endurance against the negative portrayals that often shroud Middle-Eastern countries in the media. This dragon, with eyes ablaze with determination, breathes life into a narrative that seeks to replace misconceptions with the rich cultural tapestry captured in every stroke of my Turkish decorative plate, completing a harmonious ensemble dedicated to fostering understanding and appreciation for the vibrant spirit of the region.”

“The glazed clay ceramic plate serves as a canvas for the narrative of cultural richness and protection against stereotypes. Painted in a vibrant navy blue, the plate features intricate Turkish-inspired designs in white and red, with light blue dots symbolizing the traditional Turkish "evil eye." The central focus is on the symbolism of the "evil eye," a powerful protective talisman in Middle Eastern culture believed to ward off negativity. The intricate floral patterns surrounding the eye convey the beauty embedded in the traditions of the region. Through this piece, I aim to challenge stereotypes by showcasing the aesthetic and symbolic depth of Middle Eastern art, inviting viewers to appreciate the positive aspects often overshadowed by negative portrayals in the media.”

“In my recent artistic exploration, I crafted two digital illustrations capturing Afghan culinary traditions. The first conveys the communal spirit of traditional food preparation through an abstract approach, while the second focuses on Qorme-a-sabzi, evoking childhood memories with abstract shapes. While successful in conveying concepts, I aim for greater authenticity. Consistency in style between illustrations is a concern, prompting consideration of common design elements. Both compositions deliberately use negative space for enhanced focus. Skill development in digital tools is notable, but challenges include the absence of specific photo references, urging thoughtful incorporation of distinctive elements. Feedback from my teacher is crucial in balancing a consistent style and independent appeal. Reflecting on progress, I'm pleased with the evolving visual language, recognizing the room for growth in refining details within the rich tapestry of Afghan cultural inspiration.” -Lydia B.

I hope you enjoyed this truly incredible artwork!

Columns: 👤NSA People

Michael C. lives in South Asia with his parents and three siblings. He is in 11th grade and has been at NSA for four years. His hobbies include working out, listening to music, and reading Stephen King books.