In a bright display of creativity and expression, West Ottawa High School’s art program showcases a variety of masterpieces, full of different mediums and styles. Whether at home or in the classroom, the textures of oil paints and the details of colored pencils help to create pieces that speak volumes of the talents within our school. As we look into the world of artistic exploration, prepare to be captivated by the strokes of brush and pen, the meticulous process of collage, and the stories and imagination reflected in every piece.
PIECE 1 – HAVEN MARCH
Title: “Healing Hands” by Haven March
Media: Oil paint on canvas
“I painted this piece during Covid. It was a time when healthcare workers were working around the clock. I wanted the focus to be on the heart because it does so much for us. The hands represent the gloves healthcare workers wear to do their best work and the flowers represent the flourishing growth of life. This took me around a week to paint and involved new layers each day. Every time I look at this piece, I think of all the different meanings it may have and the impact it portrays.” – Sr. Haven March.
PIECE 2 – JOSEPH DEROO
Title: “Lonely” by Joseph DeRoo
Media: Mixed media collage and then digitalized
“The major story of this piece is its origins in college. We see the girl, whom I cut from a book on the strange and mysterious, communicating with ghosts on an Ouija board, but in this piece, she is staring into the abyss with a look of comfort on her face as she stares out at the ancient ruins. This piece is a reflection on the juxtaposed comfort and isolation of being alone.” Jr. Joseph DeRoo.
PIECE 3 – KIMORA MAYA
Title: thinking/treading/thriving by Kimora Maya
Media: Acrylic paint and oil pastel
“I do not have a meaning behind this piece. I don’t really make art for a purpose, I make it because it’s fun and because it gives me creative freedom to do whatever I want. I care about the final piece, but I find myself caring about the process more because it’s fun and you learn more about art as you go.” – Sr. Kimora Maya.
PIECE 4 – EMILY SCHICKER
Title: Bambi by Emily Schicker
Media: Colored Pencil
“I was simply just watching the movie the night before I made this. I was bored the next day and just thought of the movie and chose to draw that. I really like drawing cartoon characters. I prefer this style over realism because it’s more creative and I can do what I want.” – Jr. Emily Schicker.
PIECE 5 – SOFIA COIPEL
Title: Tomie
Media: Acrylic and posca pens
“It’s based on the book Tomie by Junji Ito. The main girl in the book, Tomie, is seen in the painting. The message behind the book is how men treat women in society and view them as objects that they can do whatever they want with. I enjoy art because it’s very fun watching something go from beginning to the end, how something can go from an idea to a sketch to a canvas.” – Soph. Sofia Coipel.
