By Mandi Arbizu
Intangible Art at Coronado High
Kayley Stephens, 10, is one of many Coronado students that are involved in fine arts. Stephens is a member of the Visions program and was kind enough to give us a quick interview.
When asked when she first became interested in art and what particularly made her interested, Stephens said, “I’ve always been interested in it but when I found out I was good at it I became more passionate about it.” Kayley later said that, “[Art] is relaxing and seeing or making [it] just makes me so happy.” I then asked her why art relaxes her. “I can’t really describe it, it just does.” After asking if others really liked her work she responded with, “I would hope so, because if they didn’t, there would be no point in writing an article on me.”
When asked what type of art she was interested in and why, Kayley said, “Abstract because you can stare at it for hours trying to figure out what it means or what the artist was feeling when he painted it. Some of my favorite artists really inspire me because their art is so complex.” I asked her if there was one painting that she identified with. “No, because there can’t be one particular painting.” Kayley also likes to mainly use pencils, but occasionally uses paint for her art.
After asking who inspired her the most and why, she replied, “Jackson Pollock inspires me the most because his art just amazes me, it’s always so abstract and colorful. Also, my best friend because she always supports me and makes me laugh.” How can Kayley make anything out of a Pollock painting?
“Well, you never know if he’s feeling something while he’s painting or if it’s just for fun.”
I asked Kayley if there was one scene in South Scottsdale that she’d want to turn into an abstract painting, what would it be? “I wouldn’t pick anything in particular, just whatever I come across that I liked.”
All artists have their ways of defining art. Kayley Stephens described it as, “…a way to create something beautiful and express your feelings through something you love.”
Kayley’s Art teacher, Miss Riccio, even thinks Stephens is a good artist. “She is very focused, dedicated, and puts forth the effort. But, I think she also has natural talent. It’s something she’s born with.”
Stephens plans to “go to college and major in Art.” and “…Become a famous abstract artist.” I asked her if she ever thought about actually teaching art after getting her degree. “Yeah, I think that would be pretty awesome.”