Kassia Stevens

Visual Arts Department

Cacophony

2020

Pen and Ink

11"x 14"

Statement

Alongside my academic and artistic journey at Dreyfoos, the past few years have provided a chance for me to pursue my interest in marine life. I knew I wanted my visual arts concentration to relate to wildlife in some way, but when I started snorkeling local reefs I realized I wanted to focus specifically on sea-life. With an underwater camera, I document my experiences with sharks, turtles, stingrays, and other animals and use the images as reference for my art.

Eels grew to be one of my favorite species to photograph, since their curiousity leads them to come up to the camera to investigate. My senior piece features a spotted moray for precisely this reason; They have definite personalities and I have years of photographs to work from. I was able to use several other photos taken in Florida and the Bahamas as reference for smaller fish and coral in this piece.

While concentrating subject matter on ocean animals, I explored multiple mediums throughout high school and realized how much I enjoyed using pen and ink. I prefer focusing on value over color, even in scenes that would realistically be vibrant and lively. In the majority of this drawing I built depth with layers of hatching, including other textures for the different rocks and corals of the reef. Reefs rely on so many different species to thrive, which leads to an abundance of noise when you experience it firsthand and is why this piece is titled "Cacophony."

Dear Class of 2020 and VA/DM Dept. ...

Class of 2020,

These past four years have allowed me to embrace myself as an artist, which wouldn't have been possible anywhere else. Watching everyone grow and find their concentrations, experimenting with media and style in the process, was an incredible experience-- you all inspired me daily.

To Mr. Armetta, Ms. Ramos, and every teacher in the VA/DM Department,

I can't adequately express just how grateful I am for everything you do for your students. You constantly encourage us to work harder and think more deeply about the work we made, which in my case allowed me to really love the process and product of creating. It's because of you that art isn't just some little hobby to me; It's become a huge part of my life alongside the lessons you taught us about perserverence and risk-taking. The materials, opportunities, and ideas you've shared with us are invaluable and lifelong.

I will be eternally grateful to the Class of 2020 and Visual Department at DSOA.

-Kassia

DEAR CLASS OF 2021,

I’d be lying if I said I was as interested in art as I am now when I first started at Dreyfoos. I thought it was fun and all, but I had no idea just how much it would become an essential part of my life. It’s through art that I discovered so many new interests, inspirations, and honestly it helps me find reasons to believe that life is worth living. There’s no better feeling than waking up, grabbing a coffee, and sitting down to work in a sketchbook. There were times I absolutely hated art, and when I struggled on assignments I often felt like art was pointless because it’s all been done before, but once you embrace the idea of making art for yourself and nobody else I promise you will begin to enjoy the process and the outcome even if nobody else sees your work.

Class of 2021, I’m sure you will all begin to feel the pressures of college, testing, YoungArts, etc. very soon (if not already), but it’s important not to let the anxiety take over. Learn to prioritize because you’ll 100% need to, but also remember that in order to be successful in what you do you have to treat yourself well. Something I definitely wish I did more this year was go outside. While I definitely wasn’t a hermit, I know that if I had just spent more time at the beach or biking trails I would’ve been better able to handle the pressures of senior year because separating yourself from daily tasks helps put things in perspective. When it gets down to it, just take comfort in knowing that within a year you’ll be committed and content, ready for what’s to come.

I wish you all the best of luck in navigating senior year and applying to colleges, whether or not that means pursuing your art area. Take pride in the fact that, unlike the majority of high schoolers, you grew up knowing what it was like to have a passion and work for it.

Kassia Stevens

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