Giovanna Mclean

Visual Arts Department

I FORGIVE ME

2020

Acrylic, Digitally altered

30" x 40"

My Senior piece is titled “I Forgive Me”. Throughout high school I made many mistakes and went through extreme obstacles. During and even after many of these situations I would put a lot of guilt and shame onto myself. There would be days, weeks, and even months of going to school with the feeling of invisible handcuffs on and chains dragging around me. I fell into deep depression and always took care of myself last. This piece was a breakthrough of all of that. I am tired of blaming and feeling guilty for everything I’ve done. I cannot change the past, and I am human just like everyone else. And for the people I’ve hurt, I cannot expect forgiveness from them if I can’t even forgive or love myself.The black and white figure is me struggling to move on and loving myself. The colored one is the new and present me, I had forgiven and loved myself again. I illustrated me kissing the forehead of myself and giving love and color back again into my life. I digitally added the background of a collage of all my friends and special moments I had throughout high school. I forgive me. I love me.

Pep rally day!! #Space

Dear Class of 2020 ...

Dreyfoos has been one of the most incredible and loving experiences I have ever been through. This is definitely not how I wanted to say goodbye but it is what it is. I've connected with so many of y'all and love this school so much.

Here a few shout outs :)

Myah - Girl you already know how much I love you and your family. You've been there since the step team days and have grown me into a more confident and stronger person. You always believe in me and my dreams. Whether we did something educational together like taking a college tour to FAMU, or doing some funny as heck stuff like playing Roblox until 3 in the morning, spending time with you was always fun.

Nicole - I remember having to see you everyday and every class girl for junior year LOL. During that time I really connected with you and loved talking chisme and talking about drama going on in the beauty community #sister cancelled. I will miss you so much and even tho you doing architecture, keep doing those fire patterns.

Yasmin - I love you soo much thanks for everything you've done and understanding my mindset always. I was always able to connect with you on an emotional level. You made me more open minded to different art styles and art materials. You are so talented and can't wait to see us striving.

Vinnie - Although you can be rude as heck sometimes with them roasts LOL... you still a good friend and we'll always keep in touch. Love ya

Elijah - Yes, I know, senior year did not go as expected for us... but before all that I am so happy and glad you were there for me. Your gumbo soup was so good and my favorite memory will be us leaving school, going to the salon, and hanging out while drinking starbucks.

Jessica - Senior year definitely was a defining moment for us... Regardless you are the most kindest and compassionate person I ever met. You always put me before yourself. You were there for literally every single thing. My favorite memories were of me going to your house during exam week, hanging out at your cousins' houses, playing Just Dance and killin' it with Adam, and taking long as hell naps. I love you and your mom and whole family (yes even Yonathan and Immer lol) so much.

Mr. Armetta - Omg Mr. Armetta you are the funniest teacher ever. You always said the best jokes and joined in on our conversations in class in the best timing. Those funny birthday videos you play are also so memorable and the best. Thank you for being the best you can be and caring for your students as much as you can.

The day we went to Islands of Adventure #Spidermangang

That time I ran into Shaquille O' Neal #XtremeActionPark

#Seniorcitizenday

#Halloween

College Decision Day #ClevelandInstituteofArt

Me and Myah at the #LadiesOfFuturity gala

#BurgerFi

My Sweet 16 :)

Freshman year pep rally day :D

Senior yearrr #finallygotmesomedangcontacts

DEAR CLASS OF 2021

I hope the end of your senior year is as memorable as ourssss.

I am glad I was able to have an idea of what my senior piece would be before even school started that way I had at least one idea even though it had changed completely. Senior year can be the best but also a nightmare if you don’t keep up your time management. There are art assignments, academic work, senior events, and college applications that are needed to be done. This can seem very overwhelming without the correct time management. However when everything falls into place in an organized manner I promise you senior year will go by so easily and you’ll have so much fun.

I HIGHLY recommend you attend as many portfolio reviews and sign up for as many scholarships as soon as possible. If your parents don’t support your career in the arts try reminding them at the end of the day it is YOUR life and you would rather live your life pursuing your dream than feeling miserable every day. Stay in contact with Mr. Ross! He is literally an angel and will help you with your college application process every detailed step of the way.

I’m not really outgoing or shy. I'm kind of a mix lol. I worked part time at BurgerFi in Cityplace to help my mom pay for multiple things you’ll need to pay for like senior dues, grad bash, prom ticket, prom dress, etc. If you can, I suggest you get a part time job too, it will also help prepare the hardcore test of time management.

Have fun y’all! I wish you the best senior experience :)

Giovanna Mclean

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