Kami O’Brien ’22 in the art studio (Photo: Conrad Katzander ’22)
Students at Northwood come down to the art room everyday on their own time to create, paint, and draw but the art room isn’t just a space where people go to create art, it’s more than that.
Learn more about the importance of the art room at Northwood from the students that spend the most time there. I asked the following questions to several of those students and here are their responses:
Kate Broderick ’22
What does the art room mean to you?
The art room offers art classes but, I also like to think of the art room as a fun space; I’ve always enjoyed art whether I’m good at it or not, and being able to have a free space open to students is great. I’ve taken a trimester painting course both this year and last year and really enjoyed it. But, I also like to think of the art room as a fun space; I’ve always enjoyed art whether I’m good at it or not, and being able to have a free space open to students is great.
What types of projects are you working on for class?
Right now we are working on a neon sign painting project on black canvas. I chose to do a red and blue sign from a local bar and so far it’s been more difficult than I expected.
How often do you come to the art room during your free time?
I haven’t had much time recently to do projects in my free time, but during the summer or other school breaks I sometimes do smaller paintings. This year I haven’t been able to spend much time in the art room outside of class, but in the past I’ve gone during some study halls or weekends to work on class projects or get caught up.
What’s your favorite form of art?
My favorite form of art is most likely painting. I’m not sure why I like it more, but it kind’ve always has been.
When you’re in the art room absorbed in one of your projects how do you feel?
Getting absorbed in a project for me is when I notice that my work is starting to come together or it’s turning out better/worse than I expected. If it’s taking a long time to get the details right or I don’t like a certain color I used it can be frustrating, but the best feeling is noticing that it’s working and looking like I hoped.
Conrad Katzander ’22
Conrad Katzander ’22 in the art room. Photo provided.
What types of projects are you working on for class? What about for fun?
I’m working on a neon robot painting for my painting II class and I’ve been doing some abstract doodles in my free time.
How often do you come to the art room during your free time?
I try to come down to the art room at least a couple times a week during my free time, like during my free periods.
When do you usually come down to the art room?
I usually come to the Art room during study hall when my work is finished to work on painting.
When you’re in the art room absorbed in one of your projects how do you feel?
The art room is usually a quiet place where I can be creative and learn to solve problems by figuring out that making mistakes while painting or drawing are okay and can be worked with.
What materials do you like to use when you come down?
I tend to paint with acrylic on pretty much any canvas. I also like using paint markers and paint mops.
Julia Turner ’22
When you’re in the art room absorbed in one of your projects how do you feel?
I get focused, determined and I get into the zone when I get absorbed in one of my projects.
What does the art room mean to you?
A really nice space where you can go and be you and put your thoughts out on something that is not really readable.
How often do you come to the art room during your free time?
I usually come during free periods after study hall and weekends pretty regularly.
What types of projects are you working on for class? What about for fun?
I’m working on a 16X20 still life of bones in charcoal for drawing class. I did the Series of paintings finished hanging as you enter the dining room also the sketches in the lecture hall.
What materials do you like to use when you come down?
Acrylic paint, ink, watercolor, and graphite.
Caroline Harrison ’22
What types of projects are you working on for class? What about for fun?
I’m working on an independent study painting from the styles of the Canadian group of 7.
How often do you come to the art room during your free time?
I spend 10-12 hours a week in the art room painting.
What materials do you like to use when you come down?
I use water soluble paints and oil paints for painting landscapes.
When you’re in the art room absorbed in one of your projects how do you feel?
Its definitely easy to get absorbed in painting and its also easy to obsess about a painting. It’s a happy quiet place of freedom.
Airika Penney ’22
What types of projects are you working on for class?
For class I’m working on a Neon themed piece of a pawn shop that means something to me back home.
How often do you come to the art room during your free time?
I usually come during the last hour of study hall after my works done. And I work with acrylic paint. When I get absorbed in one of my projects everything else disappears
Ella Procyk ’24 in the art room (Photo: Conrad Katzander ’22)
Tam Nguyen ‘ 22
What types of projects are you working on for class? What about for fun?
In my free time I’m always working on something new. I’m working on an acrylic painting for fun but definitely enjoying all the pieces I’m working on!
When you’re in the art room absorbed in one of your projects how do you feel?
The art room is a place where I can let my creativity flow. It’s great to play to work and play music and just have fun down there because it’s usually empty.
What materials do you like to use when you come down?
Anything available I will use acrylic and oil painting etc. pastels are locked at night so I use whatever I can get my hands on.
How often do you come to the art room during your free time?
I come down at least 1 once a day to either the art room or music room during my free period/ free time.
Last painting picture.
