Art

Three Apples, Cello

By Alexandra Bowman

I am a contemporary realist. I create artwork because I enjoy the fascinating and exhilarating process of translating what I see into something that provides a new way for the viewer to experience a subject; there is something especially satisfying about trying to interpret the artistic genius inherent in the existing world. I often experiment with seemingly ordinary subjects in order to surprise the viewer with a new perspective. I might focus on color, light, the curve of a form, the emotional power of an expression, or on capturing the essence of an object through line.

In my piece entitled Three Apples, I aim to emphasize the intensity of the apples’ brilliant crimson hues through a quasi-surreal approach to color; my hope is that the viewer will pause and experience color as an extended sensation. Personal experience as a cellist inspired my work entitled Cello. This painting celebrates the graceful material form of the instrument itself as well as the cello’s unique sound – its rich resonance and mellow tones. Cello was recently a Grades 10-12 winner in the national “Celebrating Art” Fall 2016 contest, and will be published in a national anthology for student work at the end of 2016.

Blue Skies Over Tibet

By Megan Guo

I took these photos in the northwest part of China. I am a high school senior in China who was born in the United States, and current Director of my school’s Digital Video Club. Since picking up a camera at ten years old, I have become passionate about using photography to record memories for the future. Wherever I go, I have my camera on hand.

When I saw this crystal-blue sky, I was so impressed at first sight that I had to capture the amazing sight of the snowy mountains against the sky. At the time, I was traveling in Tibet. I felt the distinctive culture, full of factors extracted from Buddhism. People in Tibet wore traditional clothes and silver ornaments on their heads; their attitudes were open and full of willingness to help a tourist like myself. After viewing the lively street and appreciating the grandiose architecture, I felt I could understand the spirit of the land. Standing under the mountain, feeling the winds carrying the scent of soil, I felt calm and relieved.

Megan Guo is a senior at Hangzhou No.2 High School in China. She was born in the United States and moved to China with her family at a young age. As Director of the Digital Video Club and a class reporter for the student body, she is passionate about using photography and videography to record memories for the future. Whether at her school’s annual Sports Competition or traveling around China, it is rare to find her without a camera in hand.

The Lumberyard

By Rachel Bownik

This photo was taken in Rogers, MN. The train that runs through that area usually delivers stacks of lumber making it a place where a lot of teenagers hang out. Before taking the picture, I found a leather jacket and the beret (as seen in the picture) and I thought that these would help make an interesting character so it looks like this girl just usually wanders around places like that to just stop and think about life. the-lumberyard-2

Rachel Bownik is a photographer and filmmaker from Minnesota.

The Golden Hour

By Himank Jain

This picture was taken at Shahpura Lake, which is a very beautiful public garden in Bhopal City. On one fine summer evening I was just sitting there and I saw this fisherman trying very hard to catch fishes. Every time he caught one it just slipped through his hands. But he didn’t gave up and tried again and again untill he succeeded in his task. This picture was taken at around 7:00pm which is the period shortly after sunset also known as Golden hour and it is believed that best pictures are clicked in Golden hour so that is how I decided to photograph this. Photography for me is the thing which is connected to my soul and it has also brought many changes in the way I see the world around. Photography according to me is not only about clicking pictures but it is also about the little things and emotions we observe and try to capture them which others can not see. Photography for me is the love affair with my life.

Himank Jain is nineteen years old and lives in India. He is a hobby photographer and has been in this sphere for the past one year. He loves photography because it gives him a chance to make people see the beauty of nature and various cultures around us. He believes that stories are best told through pictures, and pictures speak more than words.

Harlequin

By Rachel Zader

I’ve been an arts model for a few years, but started costume design just a year or two ago. I’m fascinated by the unconventional – designers like Alexander McQueen really inspire me for that reason, but working and studying a field like law enforcement (I’m a criminology major) leaves little room for creativity. Discovering a way to collaborate with visual artists and photographers through photoshoots like these has become a great outlet to explore the possibilities of the unusual and creative!

(Model) Rachel Zader (photographer) Dan Rappa — (Model) Rachel Zader
(Photographer) Dan Rappa

Rachel Zader is a fashion model, artist, fraud examiner, and demon slayer. She lives in Oakland.

The 45th Parallel

By Kate Bishop

I live in Leland, Michigan. I drive past a little sign on the side of the road indicating the location of the 45th parallel every day on my way to work. Leland is a small town, but its natural beauty attracts a lot of tourists during the summer months. I think it’s important to capture the unseen phenomena of my hometown during the less populated seasons and, by extension, the entirety of the 45th parallel — not just its more well-known locations. The parallel passes more notably through cities in France and Italy, but also through Croatia, Russia, Mongolia, Canada, and other, more obscure cities. This image is the view from my house. Sure, you can see Lake Michigan like anyone in Leland can, but the unique perspective in this photo belongs only to those standing on my porch. There is a lot more to Leland — and the parallel — than just what initially meets the eye.

Kate is a sophomore at The University of Michigan, originally from Leland, MI. She is studying International Studies with a concentration in Comparative Culture and Identity. In her free time, she enjoys photography, poetry, coffee, and bonfires.