By: Shelby Ace & Rebekah Smythers
Art is a living and breathing entity that takes shape through many different mediums. Water colors, acrylics, oil, ink wash are just a few that we may see color our halls here at Southeast. Though there are many classes to join under the strategic eye of art teacher Amber Schuch, the focus of this piece will be the happenings in 2D2 art class.
2D2 is a class that focuses on drawing, painting and printmaking. The art class is currently working on ink washing. Ink washing is a technique of painting that started in Eastern Asia. Ink washing is a method of painting by using diluted black ink in various places forming a picture made on contrast highlights whilst only using one monochrome color. It is usually used to make gradients and portraits of landscapes along with floral themes.
Recently, the art class ventured outside to use nature as references for their ink washing pieces. Some of the items that were used as inspiration were the trees, a light pole, and the Southeast High School sign. Schuch stated that by using nature and one’s surroundings it “…helps students practice observations”. Schuch explains that her class is, “…very open to trying new things even if it is not their preference.” Her goal is to challenge and push students outside of their comfort zones to provide new perspectives. We witnessed Schuch’s patience as she was rotating around each group of her students checking in on them, making sure they were doing well. Schuch clarifies that she really loves art that is experimental, “…where you are just trying things and seeing what happens. It’s very freeing to not know the outcomes sometimes!”
While going outside to work, the students were on a time crunch. The art students had varying opinions on the immediate deadline, some stating “…It helps see the full picture instead of just looking at one tiny part” while other students stated “…It’s just more stressful rather than having a longer period of time to do it.” Whether deemed helpful or not, all the pieces looked fantastic.
In the art display case, you can see how different students interpret the project and the task, along with many other projects the class has been working on. Take a stroll down to the art wing, and view these unique Southeast compositions.
