Embedded Files
Original Painting
Installation
Untitled
Untitled
2020
Acrylic paint, installation foam board, faux vine garland and flowers, wooden table, and digital alterations
6'5" x 5' x 5'5"
My Senior piece is inspired by a painting I created upon entering Junior year. In tenth grade, I had struggled immensely with obtaining a purpose for my artwork. Piece after piece, I constantly felt disconnected from the work I was making and began to lose hope in my artistic and creative abilities. However, with a reconditioned mindset the summer before eleventh grade, I sought deeper than I had ever before to find a concept I was passionate about. As a result, I spent endless hours on a painting of a setting that I had partially created in my mind and had found inspiration for via photo references. I painted mindlessly, but as I proceeded through the project, a concept had finally come to mind. I began to recall my own reactions to seeing paintings, drawings, prints, etc. of landscapes. I managed to find myself often creating my own narratives for these pieces. This was my inspiration for my own art. I knew I loved creating different scenes, but I wanted to let my audience create a story of their own. Eventually, after multiple discussions with my peers and teachers, I chose to run with this idea for my concentration. Each piece in it is composed of realistic elements juxtaposed with planar objects, in order to create a sense of the unknown, which is left for my audience to create. Additionally, every piece is framed with some type of entryway into the setting. I believe this was essential to include, as it represents a doorway to a world that my audience can feel like they can step into. With this being such a prominent underlying motif in my work, it is the reason why I decided to create a lifesize replica of the painting I created the summer prior to Junior year. That piece sparked a fire for me, and as my time as a Visual Art’s student comes to an end, I thought it would be perfect to end with an homage to that painting.
My Senior piece is inspired by a painting I created upon entering Junior year. In tenth grade, I had struggled immensely with obtaining a purpose for my artwork. Piece after piece, I constantly felt disconnected from the work I was making and began to lose hope in my artistic and creative abilities. However, with a reconditioned mindset the summer before eleventh grade, I sought deeper than I had ever before to find a concept I was passionate about. As a result, I spent endless hours on a painting of a setting that I had partially created in my mind and had found inspiration for via photo references. I painted mindlessly, but as I proceeded through the project, a concept had finally come to mind. I began to recall my own reactions to seeing paintings, drawings, prints, etc. of landscapes. I managed to find myself often creating my own narratives for these pieces. This was my inspiration for my own art. I knew I loved creating different scenes, but I wanted to let my audience create a story of their own. Eventually, after multiple discussions with my peers and teachers, I chose to run with this idea for my concentration. Each piece in it is composed of realistic elements juxtaposed with planar objects, in order to create a sense of the unknown, which is left for my audience to create. Additionally, every piece is framed with some type of entryway into the setting. I believe this was essential to include, as it represents a doorway to a world that my audience can feel like they can step into. With this being such a prominent underlying motif in my work, it is the reason why I decided to create a lifesize replica of the painting I created the summer prior to Junior year. That piece sparked a fire for me, and as my time as a Visual Art’s student comes to an end, I thought it would be perfect to end with an homage to that painting.
Dear Class of 2020,
Dear Class of 2020,
Since Covid-19 cut our Senior year short, I’ve spent countless hours reflecting on the Class of 2020's time at Dreyfoos. Freshman year, we began our high school journey, unsure of what was in store for us. Sophomore year, we marched to City Hall when tragedy hit close to home. Junior year, our grade won the pep rally dance competition, despite our music stopping halfway. And ultimately, our Senior year was cut short by a pandemic. Each year of high school has offered it's own obstacles- some greater than others. But, the Class of 2020 has proven itself stronger than anything that has been thrown to us. We are a group of resilient individuals, and we have proven it time and time again. We may have nervously entered the gates of Dreyfoos as hesitant, apprehensive fourteen-year-olds, but I am confident that each individual in our class is entering the next chapter of their life as a unique, valiant, talented young adult. We missed out on Senior Prom, Gradbash, and a formal graduation ceremony, however the absence of these events will never diminish the value of my memories with the Class of 2020.
Since Covid-19 cut our Senior year short, I’ve spent countless hours reflecting on the Class of 2020's time at Dreyfoos. Freshman year, we began our high school journey, unsure of what was in store for us. Sophomore year, we marched to City Hall when tragedy hit close to home. Junior year, our grade won the pep rally dance competition, despite our music stopping halfway. And ultimately, our Senior year was cut short by a pandemic. Each year of high school has offered it's own obstacles- some greater than others. But, the Class of 2020 has proven itself stronger than anything that has been thrown to us. We are a group of resilient individuals, and we have proven it time and time again. We may have nervously entered the gates of Dreyfoos as hesitant, apprehensive fourteen-year-olds, but I am confident that each individual in our class is entering the next chapter of their life as a unique, valiant, talented young adult. We missed out on Senior Prom, Gradbash, and a formal graduation ceremony, however the absence of these events will never diminish the value of my memories with the Class of 2020.
I’d like to thank some very special individuals who have left a great impact on my life. To Angel, Ava, Ayana, Emma, Lindsey, Julianna, Mia, Michelle, and Natalia- I’m not sure how I got so lucky to have found such a talented, funny, intelligent, and caring group of girls to call my best friends. From our meme group chats, to dressing up as Pitbull (look carefully throught this site, and you'll see photos of this;) ), to throwing parties for almost any occasion in art class, I cannot thank each of you enough for the life long memories. We’ve been there for each other through the good and the bad, and I will forever be grateful for your friendship. Without a doubt, I know you will all do amazing things in this world, and I can’t wait to cheer you on. To Kate, Maddy, Faith, Sebastian, Nik, Mara, Kevin, and Kyle- Thank you for letting me in as “fake Communications major”. I have never met such an ambitious, creative, one-of-a-kind, group of people. Each of you has inspired me to pursue my passions, work hard, and always appreciate the little things in life. I’m gonna miss hanging out late at night, staying after school for SGA/Class Council, and singing in our cars together every morning. You have all accomplished so much in the past 18 years, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for each of you. You are the reason why I loved going to school every day. Additionally, thank you to Ms. Jahn, and the rest of the Visual Arts and Digital Media teachers for always believing in your students. Your dedication and kindness do not go unnoticed. Finally, shoutout to the wonderful, talented, people who bring life to Building 9. This place has become a home to me because of you. I know this isn't the end, so, this is not a goodbye, but a see you later. :’) Thanks for the memories.
I’d like to thank some very special individuals who have left a great impact on my life. To Angel, Ava, Ayana, Emma, Lindsey, Julianna, Mia, Michelle, and Natalia- I’m not sure how I got so lucky to have found such a talented, funny, intelligent, and caring group of girls to call my best friends. From our meme group chats, to dressing up as Pitbull (look carefully throught this site, and you'll see photos of this;) ), to throwing parties for almost any occasion in art class, I cannot thank each of you enough for the life long memories. We’ve been there for each other through the good and the bad, and I will forever be grateful for your friendship. Without a doubt, I know you will all do amazing things in this world, and I can’t wait to cheer you on. To Kate, Maddy, Faith, Sebastian, Nik, Mara, Kevin, and Kyle- Thank you for letting me in as “fake Communications major”. I have never met such an ambitious, creative, one-of-a-kind, group of people. Each of you has inspired me to pursue my passions, work hard, and always appreciate the little things in life. I’m gonna miss hanging out late at night, staying after school for SGA/Class Council, and singing in our cars together every morning. You have all accomplished so much in the past 18 years, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for each of you. You are the reason why I loved going to school every day. Additionally, thank you to Ms. Jahn, and the rest of the Visual Arts and Digital Media teachers for always believing in your students. Your dedication and kindness do not go unnoticed. Finally, shoutout to the wonderful, talented, people who bring life to Building 9. This place has become a home to me because of you. I know this isn't the end, so, this is not a goodbye, but a see you later. :’) Thanks for the memories.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Amanda Cohen
Amanda Cohen
Generation Day 2019 #70s #groovy
Jumping photo pros.
2019 Girls Volleyball District Champions #sports #school
That time we had a printmaking picnic!
80's Day 2020 <3
#girlpower
Our last time together before social distancing :')
Freshman Year
Senior Year
DEAR CLASS OF 2021,
DEAR CLASS OF 2021,
Congratulations! You made it to your final year of high school. Now, had I written this letter when there wasn’t a pandemic consuming our world, I probably wouldn’t have been as adamant as I’m about to be right now. So, I’m begging you- please, please, please listen and take my advice.
Don’t procrastinate college applications!
This tip is first on my list, as it is SO IMPORTANT. The summer prior to my senior year, I began setting goals and deadlines for myself, in order to avoid stressful last-minute situations. By the end of September of 2019, I had completed my final SAT and began making final edits to my college application essays. By doing this, I had all of October before the November 1st deadline to make any necessary changes. If you’re a heavily involved student like I was, working ahead of time will be a lifesaver, and you will have more time to enjoy your senior year.
Document your year!!!!
I cannot stress how necessary this is. Especially after losing the last quarter of my senior year. Whether it be making a photo album, journaling your thoughts each day, making vlogs of you and your friends (during appropriate times, of course- not during English class), just document your year somehow. My friends always made jokes about how often I took photos and videos, but I could not be more grateful that I did, because now I’ll always have LOTS of photos and carpool karaoke videos to look back on.
Appreciate each moment you have, good or bad.
Of course, you’re gonna relish the good times. From my final spirit week to winning the District Championship with the volleyball team, these are some of my favorite memories from my final year at Dreyfoos. However, as this year has progressed, I’ve discovered value in the not-so-great times as well. You might get rejected from your dream university, or may even grow apart from some friends, but I promise life throws the unexpected at us for a reason. So, remember to not take anything for granted during your final year, because I PROMISE everything will work out.
Make it count.
Ask anyone in the Class of 2020, and I’m almost positive they will tell you the same thing. Life is going to bring some drastic changes as you enter the next chapter of your life post-high school, so make sure you leave with no regrets. Pick up on a new hobby, become friends with someone you’ve never had a class with before, thank your teachers, etc. You may not realize it now, but attending Dreyfoos is a unique, once in a lifetime blessing that only a select few get to experience.
I could go on and on, but I figured these were the most important points to hit. If anything, I hope the Class of 2021 learns from what the Class of 2020 is experiencing during these uncertain times. You guys are an extremely special group of individuals, and I cannot wait to see what life brings you next school year!
Sincerly,
Amanda Cohen
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