This is Katie Peters. She is an award-winning artist and going into her senior year at CHS. She met with us to discuss her work and the inspiration behind her pieces.
🎨How long have you been in art?
I have been in art since my Freshman year.
🎨What have you learned about yourself through your art?
I have learned how to express my thoughts and emotions and make them come to life through art.
🎨Is there a piece or multiple that is most meaningful to you?
Yes, I do have a mixed media piece that was part of my portfolio called "I said no" It's a darker concept but a piece that I feel tackles a topic that needs to be discussed more. It is charcoal on cardboard with phrases cut out of a book (the tale of two cities) glued around it. The girl in the drawing is crying and trying to escape while her mouth is covered, so she can't scream for help. I took the time to ensure every word or phrase I had on the artwork had a message. I genuinely feel this is one of the most powerful pieces I have done yet.
🎨 Where do you gather inspiration?
The inspiration for my art this past year largely came from my friend, who sadly passed away due to gang violence at the beginning of my junior year school year. Because of this, I was in a dark place, and my junior portfolio on mental trauma reflected it.
🎨Have you won any awards for your work?
Yes, I have won a Scholastic gold key award for a religious piece I did my sophomore year and an honorable mention for a soft pastel work I made. I have also won 1st, 2nd, and 5th place awards at the county fair for different works of art I have made.
🎨What is your favorite art style, your specific art style?
Mixed media is my favorite style. I love making art on found objects, from rocks to shoes and jeans, even to stuff some would throw away. I believe everything can be made into something beautiful.
🎨How do you feel that your art teachers have helped/supported you in your pursuits?
Mrs. Hoffer has been a true inspiration to me since I walked into her class Freshman year. I went from not liking art and thinking I wasn't any good at it, but she convinced me to try it and encouraged me the whole time. Hoffer is one of my biggest supporters. I definitely would not be where I am in art today without her help and support.
🎨What artistic journey brought you into art, or how did you find your passion?
I've always been creative, but in high school, I became decent at art.
🎨When did you first discover your interest in art?
My papa loved art and making art before he got sick. He and I used to make art together while we watched Andy Griffith. When he passed, he left his art supplies to me. It took me a couple of years to get back into art after that, but now I make art as a way to stay close to him.
🎨What have you learned about yourself through this experience/art?
You have to go with the flow, mistakes are supposed to happen, and you have to let them because, in the end, they make something beautiful.
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE