The Scholastic Art Competition and Needham Recipients

The Scholastic Art and Writing is an incredible competition that provides a platform for young artists and writers to gain recognition for their pieces, showcase their talents, and convey their messages to the world. A sophomore at NHS has won the prestigious Gold Key Award for their wonderful painting. What’s even more impressive is that only 5-7% of entries get the Gold Key Award and have the chance to advance to a national level. I had the opportunity to interview them about their artwork, and gain further insight into their creative process and how they may approach future pieces. 

This is the painting “Puppet”:

1. Your Gold Key Award is incredible - you are clearly very talented! How many years of art have you done?

Thanks, Emma! I have been drawing since I was in third grade. Artistic talent is a myth; it's all learned skill mixed with the desire to create.

2. Has your artistic style changed at all? 

Oh…oh, girlie. I really hope I have improved since I was nine, but I will let you decide that for yourself! I used to have a very cartoonish/manga-inspired style, but now I don’t consider myself to have a style at all. Inconsistency is a lot more fun :)

3. What was the reason for creating your painting?

I made this creature because I wanted to show how it feels to be perceived when being perceived is to be controlled.

4. What inspired you to use the materials you did? What materials are here?

I had a big bag of stuff to use one day!

5. Is there a certain reason why you chose these colors?

The color scheme of purple and yellow feels very sickening in its rawest form, and I wanted to have that show through with the background and the flat colors of the entity.

6. What is one thing you hope people will take away from your art?

To restrain the individuality of a human being is the most isolating punishment.

7. In general, why do you think art is important to different people and society?

To quote an Instagram reel audio, “art becomes sustenance” when someone feels the need to seek out others that have ever felt the same way they do. Art is essential to me because seeing the works of other human beings makes me feel more connected to them and their emotions. I believe the only way to know someone is to see their most private creations truly.

8. Do you have any artistic influences (people or trends)?

My friends, album covers, and the works of a bunch of artists on twitter, like @wolfythewitch and @late-august. Here are some examples of albums:

9.  What are some suggestions for someone who needs help finding inspiration for their art?

Consume so much media that you have no choice but to absorb the creativity that already exists out there!

10.  Does art help you become successful in other aspects of your life?

The compulsion to make art is probably the most comfortable feeling for me. Art really is all about human connection, and with our common passion, the artist friends that I have made are some of my favorites.

Thank you so much for your time! That was an excellent interview. Congratulations again to this artist for receiving the Gold Key Award. We cannot wait to see more art in the future!