By Janessa Salazar

Created in ceramics class, Olivia Coulter’s pot is presented in the Art glass show case. Photo By: Janessa Salazar

Students have ways of expressing themselves artistically, whether it is in band, choir, or just art in general. There are many types of art and it can be expressed or mean something different to anyone who participates in it.

Showing off two pieces of artwork, Ryan MacLain creates fiction and non fiction characters out of pastel colors. Photo By: Janessa Salazar

Even though art is a class at Plymouth High School, it means more than just a class to certain students. There are several different types of art that can be presented. Ceramics, 2D art, and 3D art are a few of the different types of art presented at PHS. With any activity, there may be one aspect that draws someone in. Junior Morgan Thomas said, “Art runs in the family so I have always been around it and in it.” Certain students like Thomas and Junior Olivia Coulter have been around art their whole life. At a young age, Coulter was inspired by her brother. Coulter said, “I realized when I was a little kid that I loved expressing myself on paper. The big push was when I saw my brother, Alex, draw. I wanted to be just like him and I wanted to be just as good as he was. I was constantly asking my dad, ‘Did Alex draw like this when he was my age?’ And he’d show me some of Alex’s stuff and it’d make me try harder to be that good.” Agreeing with Coulter about being inspired by family, Sophomore Ryan MacLain said, “I always watched my dad make unique things and always wanted to draw just as good as he did.” Being inspired could be easy or hard for each individual student in art. It all depends on the artist and what they are inspired by.

Showing off her dot project, Morgan Thomas presents a mermaid earring for drawing class. Photo By: Janessa Salazar.

Being inspired to do any type of art and working hard to create something from their mind can make it exciting for certain people. There might be certain pieces that do not quite turn out the way they are pictured, and there can be others that just stand out and become a treasured piece. For sophomore Carly Berger, her favorite piece is, “My first ever Acrylic Painting I did of a monarch butterfly.” Looking at it entirely differently Coulter said, “I never have a favorite artwork. From start to finish, I’ll have learned something and gotten better. So looking back at it, I’ll be a better artist than I was when I started. I never like any of my art. Most of the time I hate it, actually. But I LOVE the process.” As someone that’s not that into art, MacLain said his favorite piece is, “Definitely my superman oil pastel drawing, it’s by FAR my best drawing.”

In each student’s eyes, the definition of art is differently expressed. Whether it is painting, drawing or sketching, it is something that comes from within. Sophomore Tanner Virgil said, “It simulates love that is seen in some people.” Thomas said, “Art to me is a way to express yourself not through words but through colors and pictures.” This is not a standard subject to people, but it can be a way of communicating. Coulter said, “Art means the world to me. It’s my communication.” Behind every piece of artwork, there might contain an untold story.

To certain students, art is a way to express themselves  and create something beyond their imagination. Art can be a way of expressing emotions not only through words, but by visual communication. Through this elective class students learn more about different styles of art and their abilities.

Showing off her picture of Teddy Roosevelt, Olivia Coulter stands proud. Photo By: Janessa Salazar