Ben Franke, senior
Although Ben has been involved with art for “basically [his] whole life,” he realized that it was truly his passion in the third grade. Since then, Been took his self-described “doodling” and and decided to focus more seriously on drawings, namely pen and ink.

“It kind of flows from one shape,” Ben said. “It’s like a spontaneous kind [of art].”

Ben’s drawing had to take a backseat for a while because of schoolwork, but his current enrollment in Studio Art AP has allowed him to further pursue has passion for art. Although the course requires that students work beyond their initial comfort zone, Ben says that trying new things has helped him grow as an artist.

Studio Art AP teacher Christine An describes Ben as “super creative.”

“He can see stories in art,” An said. “He does not settle for something minutely less than what he likes.”

Ben describes his work as “abstract,” saying that the ink gives is an instant contrast.

“Usually I start out with pencil and I go over with pen and ink,” Ben said. “Once you erase the pencil, makes it really solid-looking.”

Ben plans on continuing with art after high school.

“I’m thinking about game design,” Ben said. “Something around media and computers.

Maivy Nguyen, senior
Maivy has been taking art classes at school since her freshman year and is also currently enrolled in Studio Art AP.

“I just like the power I have and the impact [art] can make on another person,” Maivy said. “Anybody from different countries can still look at the same piece and find some sort of understanding.”

Maivy has begun moving toward “semi-sculpture pieces” and modern art, but she still prefers painting as a medium. According to An, Maivy’s work explores “different material and media,” particularly tactile material.

“I like to use a lot of color,” Maivy said. “Color can express a lot of different kinds of emotions that black and white can’t really do.”

In addition to high school classes, Maivy has taken summer classes at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and values the experience of art in the classroom.

“In a class situation, it’s a really good opportunity to see how other people take on an idea,” Maivy said. “It’s really interesting to see other people’s styles.”

Although Maivy loves art, she is not sure about whether she will continue to pursue this interest after high school.

“It could be my major, but I’m not going to have it as my only major,” Maivy said. “I don’t want it to because something that I got tire of because I’m forced to do it.”

Noor Salim, senior
Noor started taking art classes at school in her junior year. Currently she is enrolled in both Drawing II and Studio Art AP. Between seventh and ninth grade, she also took art classes at the Sagi Studio in Sunnyvale.

“Mainly I like to do abstract,” Noor said. “I like mixing acrylic paint and collage because I just like the effect. It adds texture sometimes—it’s kind of chaotic, but I like it.”

Although taking the class has helped Noor refine her technique, she feels that artistic vision is not necessarily something one learns, but rather that one discovers.

“I don’t think you’re born more talented than anyone else,” Noor said. “All you have to do is be interested in it and put time in it.”

An describes Noor’s artwork as serious in nature.

“She likes to explore and look into things we don’t normally look at,” An said. “She looks beyond boundaries.”

Noor hopes to continue with art after high school.

“I haven’t applied for any art schools, but I’m thinking about it,” Noor said. “I’m thinking about going to school and getting a BSA so I can be an art teacher.”