Junior art student Nadia Calder realized her talent and admiration for art at a young age. She was inspired by the projects involved in elementary school and middle school art classes. She’s taken art classes throughout her school career, where she works with a variety of mediums and is a member of the National Art Honor Society. Calder enjoys expressing herself through watercolor and colored pencil, and although she hasn’t settled on a category for her works, surrealism is something she has an affinity for and tries to express in some of her pieces. Calder plans on always having a place for art in her life, whether it be an occupation or a hobby.

How were you introduced to art?
“Art classes in elementary and middle school [is where I] realized my appreciation for art. Watercolor and colored pencil are favorites of mine because I love the depth and blending these mediums allow.”

How would you describe your work?
“I’d describe my work as something that I have fun doing and is a great creative outlet for me amid schoolwork. There’s definitely much room to improve, but art is wonderful in that improvement is clear as time goes on.”

How has your art changed over time?
“Over the years, it’s really just been figuring out what I like. With more experience with different mediums and more practice in general, I think my art has improved which has been wonderful to see. It’s also become easier to paint or draw something with more creative freedom, or in other words, not just imitating a reference photo.”

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?
“I loved doing the Memory Project last year, which involves making portraits of kids across the world–this year we’re doing kids who live in Afghanistan. This was my favorite project because it felt infinitely more meaningful as it was for such an amazing cause and going to a child who I would otherwise have no connection to.”

Who are some artists that inspire you?
“The artists behind the examples shown by Ms. Latimer at the beginning of every new project are always inspiring. A few of my favorites from the ones she’s shown are Edward Hopper, Cindy Sherman and Lucile Prache.”

How have the WHS art classes impacted you?
“WHS art classes are wonderful as they’re a concrete time each week to just sit and do art. The projects also have been great as they work with a pretty large range of mediums that I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise.”

What future plans do you have for your art?
“I’d love to be able to be a scientific illustrator, but if that doesn’t work out, I plan on keeping art in my life as at least a hobby.”