What
to do, what to say, how to react, and how to interpret how others treat them as
either a child or as an adult can confuse young adults, caught in the
child/adult stage of development.
When it comes to painting, sculpting, printing and being generally
creative, they relax a little, and the ratio of the child/adult mix is often
obvious in the art. Some young students revel in their childhood interests and
paint copies of Johnny Depp, Disney characters, Batman, etc. Others explore a
bit of the mix with Goth images, culture mixes (South American, aboriginal),
figure studies, faces that drip and clothes that explode with colour.
And then others leap forward with outright adult work, both in terms of
skill and subject matter. A few manage to pull off work that even professional
artists would be hard pressed to reproduce.
As in the case of grade eleven student, Santana Paleske from Queen
Elizabeth District High School, in a work called, You’ve Had Enough Sugar. Here
you can see the amazing drawing skills of a professional artist, taking
advantage of a common theme, and making a wonderful and very human statement
about our inability to control our childlike desires. The thrill in the little
girl’s face is awesome. We immediately pick up on the feelings she must have,
sinking her teeth into that most awesome cupcake. The girl has entranced and
startled eyes, and although we don’t see her mouth, the marshmallows mimic
giant teeth and the pink of the cupcake resemble lips, as if the cupcake itself
were a surreal distorted mouth representing the uncontrollable animated delight
of emotions related to eating. Here’s an artist who has used that knowledge of
one positive aspect of being a child, and capturing it masterfully. Santana! Do
not sell this drawing for less than $2,000.00!
Whatever stage of maturity these students are at they have the desire to
stretch their skills, to see what they can accomplish, and although the subject
matter might not be original, as when copied from a photograph, the excitement
is genuine.
Being part of a big show is fun too, and the students get a confidence
boost by having their work on display, and a taste of what it’s like showing
work. They also get to share and learn what other students are up to in terms
of technique, skill and subject matter.
Crammed on the walls of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery are the works of
students from the majority of high schools in town, both public and Catholic,
along with Geraldton Composite High, Marathon High, and Nipigon-Red Rock. There
are noteworthy young up-and-coming artists from each school.
Willa picks up on this aspect of our human condition by painting a young
man who loves speed, loves life and a little danger. As the road blurs ahead of
him he looks behind, but he is not worried. His image in the mirror is also
blurred as if speed blurs one from truly looking at oneself. He doesn’t need to
look back, but he does for the viewer’s benefit, so he’s not all about himself.
He’s taking account of you, the viewer, as a rider on the back of his ATV.
He’ll keep you safe. What a great painting. It’s as good as any of Bates’ work.
There are lots of great works and young artists worthy of attention. This
is most definitely a show worth checking out. You will be impressed. It’s filled
with humour, talent and surprises in a variety of mediums – painting,
sculpture, glasswork, printmaking, and more. And this says something about the
art teachers in the region as well. Good on you for inspiring so many young
artists.
This show is
highly recommended. 
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