Elizabeth SEARLES

Digital Media Department

Behind Closed Doors

2020

Wood, acrylic paint, block printing, digital painting

2 ft x 2 ft x 6 in (closed) 4 ft x 2 ft x 6 in (open)

Throughout my time at Dreyfoos, social impact has been my main focus. Specifically, showing these issues in plain sight in childlike, colorful ways. For this, I wanted to show how innocent and beautiful a household can look on the outside, hiding the awful things that may be happening on the inside. Along with this, I wanted to acknowledge that multiple issues can be happening within a household.

Last pep rally!

Sometimes on April 28th of 2019 you go to a concert. Sometimes you really do.

Oh to be 14 and rebellious.

I didn't go on The Zipper so I think my brain is okay. Monkey moo?

Dear Class of 2020,

Hey, look at us! Okay so I’ll admit that I don’t know how to put into words all of the things that I want to say. What I do know, however, is that I’m proud. Four years at Dreyfoos has made me familiar with people through the things that they do, more so than who they actually are. But, those two have become one in the same, haven’t they? So yeah, I’m proud of the people that you all have become and how you’ve been able to grow.

Quick question for my teachers...can I come around and bother you? I’ll be around and I don’t know how to let things go. Mrs. G, Ms. Jahn, Ms. Van Reeth I’m looking at you. I’m serious, I’ll willingly come back to fill the void that’s going to be in my soul soon. Ignore this, the sentimentality might be impacting my brain.

Gabby. Julie. Thank you for putting up with me for seven years. You up for 70 more? We can cause a ruckus in the retirement home. I’m usually sappy enough outside of a public platform so I won’t let all of the gooey stuff out here but...I love you. Got that? Good! *Touches forehead and removes hand slowly* Wig.

Almost last and certainly least! If you ever stole our unassigned assigned lunch table I will not hesitate to...never mind, I’ll let the past stay in the past. For now.

To these past four years. Thank you for everything. And I mean everything.

First day of ninth grade...fresh!

First summer art show!

DEAR CLASS OF 2021,

So. I started my time at Dreyfoos as a frighteningly shy person who only opens up to people that I’m comfortable around. And that’s how I’m leaving too! And I have no plans for that to change in the future. What I mean by this is...be the person that you truly want to be. If that, to you, means making a full one-eighty in how you present yourself, then you do you. But, ask yourself if future you is going to love who you become. I can say that I love past me (not so sure about me right now but that’s besides the point) and I can see that she tried her best. Give your future self that privilege.

NOW, if you’re still reading and not bored out of your mind. Seize every opportunity that comes before you. That’s something that I only truly started doing this year and I wish I had known that previously. Enter every competition, talk to anyone that you can about what you do, stay after school to learn from other people. Anything and everything. The worst that could happen is nothing changes but who’s to say nothing would’ve happened if you had tried.

HOLD ON. Please remember that your teachers are human. If you feel that they're nagging you that’s because they are BECAUSE THEY CARE. They want to help you be the best you can be and see you grow. If they didn’t care they wouldn’t try to communicate with you and they wouldn’t try to help you. So communicate back. Every relationship you form Right Now is somebody that you can turn to later on. That won’t happen if you don’t put anything into it. For everyone’s sake don’t be on your phone during class. Yes, I’m also nagging you, enjoy.

I feel like this should and could be longer but I also feel like that me trying to be inspirational is just annoying. So I’ll just leave with this. Good luck and I’m cheering you on from the sidelines!

Elizabeth Searles

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