Tanapoom Yamsakul
Visual Arts Department
Visual Arts Department
2020
Poster board, micron pens, pencil, instant coffee grains and water, cardboard, burnt with fire
21.7 x 20.6 inches
As an artist, and as a student at Dreyfoos, I ultimately struggled to find out what I wanted to do in terms of the subject matter for the majority of my time here. I drew what was assigned to me without connecting it into any major concentration, or idea, or theme, simply because I couldn't think of one. This plagued my Freshman and Sophomore years, as I felt as if I wasn't the artist I could have been for much of my high school career. Thankfully though, that changed indefinitely by Junior year. For the first time in Dreyfoos, I discovered a concentration that I loved doing, and wanted to create artwork around: Fantasy world-building.
By the time I solidified that as what I wanted my artwork to revolve around, I went into overdrive with it. And when time came that this assignment rolled out, I finally began to conceptualize the actual continent, the setting, my fantasy world was set in. With a growing fondness of cartography swelling in my heart as well, the Old Map of the Fourfold Continent is the end result of my passion for fantasy world. Taking inspiration from actual old maps centuries ago, what with the compass rose, naming every inch of the locations, and burning and aging the map, I finally shaped the world I've always in envisioned in my head ever since I became a Junior a year ago. And I still have more to do, what with actually drawing the landscapes and cities in my mind as well, but this piece will be the foundation for my future fantasyscapes.
My favorite pieces I've done this year. I hope you also like them!
I am going to miss every single one of you. Even if I didn't show it as much as I could have, I have loved being with every single one of you throughout my time at Dreyfoos, and I could only wish we could physically say our goodbyes and give the hugs and handshakes back at our wonderful school.
Charmae, Colin, Teddy-- I know I haven't been as sociable as I should have been this year, but I still treasured every moment I was with you guys. You are the friend group I've never knew I wanted, but I'll never forget it, decades into the future from now.
Brian, though we really only got to know each other in late Junior year and this Senior year, you've been an entertaining dude to be with, and another great friend I made that made this year better.
Ms. Jahn, I wish I got to talk to you more. Having you as my first art teacher back as Freshman year was a great time, and being with you again this year in Portfolio was truly worth it. But the same goes to every other teacher I've had so far. Ms. Ramos, Ms. Foy, Ms. Allione, Mr. Armetta, Ms. Van Reeth, and currently, Ms. Glosmanova. You've all been wonderful teachers that helped me advance as an artist, and I can only say, "Thank you so much." Shout out to Ms. Van Reeth for giving me a newfound love and appreciation for global art history.
Ms. Beckle and Mrs. RIley, math-related subjects have always been something I've struggled against, and yes, the subjects you taught were easier for me to digest compared to Calculus, but you were kind and patient teachers that made my worst days bearable.
Ms. Little, you were just hilarious and I love you. Glad you're "graduating" along with us.
Mr. Stohr, and Ms. Zeitz, you are the best history teachers I've ever had, and Mr. Stohr especially made US history endlessly entertaining. I'm also glad I was able to learn about the Ancient world before it was divided from you Ms. Zeitz.
The column assignment by Van Reeth, with my gal pal.
The same day, because I actually don't have many pics of my friends, lol
I just really like the pictures we took during this assignment.
Sophomore technically, but close enough probably.
Hey, to any future Seniors, most especially ones that strive to be artists and felt like they've been stuck or unable to make the most of their art career here: don't worry.
It's fine if you can't come up with something immediately. Don't feel horribly pressured or self-deprecating on how you don't have a concentration you are invested in doing. That stuff takes time. Don't let the pressure of other student artists make you feel like you HAVE to instantly create some subject matter you want to do. It will come naturally. Just keep on doing what you love, watch what you like, read what you enjoy, listen to what you appreciate, and the ideas will come forward.
For me, it happened in Junior year, as I've stated above. Finding my passion in world-building is the best thing to come into my work as an artist, but it didn't happen until well over two years here at Dreyfoos.
Just always make sure to do what you are able to. You will experience slumps, pits of depressive episodes, and the general stress of high school and deadlines, but keep as calm a mind as you can, and don't be afraid to ask for help, from friends or teachers. Its best if you can do things well ahead of time, such as acquiring studio hours and the like well before a semester ends, but don't feel obligated to an unhealthy degree. Do what you are able to, and let that be your best until you are able to surpass it. Counselors are here to help, from mental health to college troubles, teacher are here to help you succeed in your classes, classmates are here to make work easier and form friendships, and Dreyfoos is here to make you better at the art area/major you love doing.
TL;DR, you're doing great sweetie.
Signed,
Tanapoom Yamsakul, a procrastinating weirdo that sneezes excessively loudly and makes a couple dozen people uncomfortable with my presence :>