Art is said to be made to challenge individuals’ perceptions of the world by conveying a variety of messages through a variety of means. Made by artists who constantly try to challenge themselves, art often includes mixing traditional elements with the artist’s own individual styles to create something entirely new and original.
“I love creating things that push me out of my comfort zone,” WCHS senior Eliana Lapidus said. “I love blending elements of realism with my own style to create something truly unique. In all of my pieces, I try to incorporate something I have never done before.”
Lapidus has always been interested in art. Upon entering high school she decided that she would challenge herself by taking a different art class every year. Lapidus has fulfilled this by taking AP 2-D Art and Design, Studio Art 1, Studio Art 2 and Studio Art 4 to improve her skills, explore new mediums and find new means of expression.
“I usually start by identifying an overarching theme, prompt or question I want to explore,” Lapidus said. “Right now my question of inquiry is ‘how does our perception of memories change over time?’ which allows me to approach many different subjects. I also really value feedback as it has helped me create my favorite pieces and pushed me to take more risks to define my ideas.”
Artists like Lapidus often make incredible art with the help of inspiration at the beginning of the creative process. One of these art pieces, “The Library,” a 2D rendering of a library scene, was recently displayed in the art hallway and was inspired by Lapidus’ father. This piece includes pop-out hands that spin and has a stark contrast between the black and white depiction of her dad and the bright orange and yellow background.
“For the piece of my dad, ‘Rock On,’ my inquiry focused on proportion and how manipulating it could shift or emphasize a feeling in the art,” Lapidus said. “I had seen a trend online where people enlarged their hands in photos to show off their nails and found inspiration in that. In the piece ‘The Library’ I was loosely inspired by Sherlock Holmes’ mind palace. A lot of my inspiration comes from the world around me and the media I engage with.”
Additionally, as the WCHS art community fosters the growth and development of its artists, Lapidus contributes to the larger group. She is a part of the WCHS chapter of the National Art Society and serves as the Art Show Manager which includes responsibilities such as helping to organize the aptly named Art Show.
“[Art Show Manager] involves setting up the displays in each room, helping to curate where pieces go, coming up with ideas to make the show easier to navigate and finding ways to make it more enjoyable,” Lapidus said. “I like this position because the Art Show is one of my favorite parts of the year, and I really wanted to be able to get more involved.”
Outside of the WCHS art community, Lapidus is a dancer and a part of CityDance Conservatory. Her experience with dance has allowed her to further explore artistic outlets outside of her drawing and traditional art. As Lapidus prepares to go to college, she is creating a new balance with her artwork and creating process.
“I would love to keep pursuing art in the future, though in the near future it might be difficult,” Lapidus said. “I want to double major in dance and biology which does not leave much time for visual art. However, I still want to be able to make pieces whenever I can for myself. Art is one of my favorite things in the world so I want to further my endeavors.”
