Visual Arts
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Artwork by Angie Widjaja
Angie Widjaja is a Bellevue-based artist, an International Baccalaureate recipient, and a senior at Interlake High School in Seattle, Washington. |
An Intersection Between Action and Thought
Watercolor and micron pens
by Emma Chang
Emma Chang is a high school senior of Taiwanese descent. She is actively involved in many artistic disciplines, from visual to performing, and possesses a fascination with exploring the many aspects of the human condition through the lens of different mediums.
Artist’s Statement:
The definition of an intersection is somewhere where two or more objects meet, or cross each other. When I came up with the idea for this painting, I thought of how many thoughts cross one’s mind every day, and the brief intersection of indecision we stand upon before we choose whether or not to act. Having had chronic depression for many years now, I have stood upon such an intersection many times. There have been many days where I struggled against suicidal thoughts, but ultimately I never let them push me down that dark and dangerous path from which there is no return. This painting is a depiction of what would happen if such thoughts become actions. The red splotches and background represent the pain of the internal struggle. The words represent the thoughts that have plague one, the reasons that would drive one to self-harm. For sometimes words are the most dangerous weapon at our disposal. In destroying herself, the subject only leaves behind the broken remains of her reasoning (the words) for the world to attempt to piece together.
Watercolor and micron pens
by Emma Chang
Emma Chang is a high school senior of Taiwanese descent. She is actively involved in many artistic disciplines, from visual to performing, and possesses a fascination with exploring the many aspects of the human condition through the lens of different mediums.
Artist’s Statement:
The definition of an intersection is somewhere where two or more objects meet, or cross each other. When I came up with the idea for this painting, I thought of how many thoughts cross one’s mind every day, and the brief intersection of indecision we stand upon before we choose whether or not to act. Having had chronic depression for many years now, I have stood upon such an intersection many times. There have been many days where I struggled against suicidal thoughts, but ultimately I never let them push me down that dark and dangerous path from which there is no return. This painting is a depiction of what would happen if such thoughts become actions. The red splotches and background represent the pain of the internal struggle. The words represent the thoughts that have plague one, the reasons that would drive one to self-harm. For sometimes words are the most dangerous weapon at our disposal. In destroying herself, the subject only leaves behind the broken remains of her reasoning (the words) for the world to attempt to piece together.
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Photography by Grace Bida
Grace Bida is a Boston-based photographer. In addition to her love for photography, she has a passion for singing and traveling, and hopes to someday travel the world. You can find more of her work here (link to: gracebida.carbonmade.com) or follow her on instagram @gracebpics
Artist’s Statement:
The cool thing about these images to me is that they highlight the intersection between imagination and reality. They focus on the idea that we all wear masks to conceal who we really are. Society's tendency to resort to judgement leads individuals to hide behind the mask of conformity. These photographs offer a window into the world of all the veiled individuals who wear masks.
Grace Bida is a Boston-based photographer. In addition to her love for photography, she has a passion for singing and traveling, and hopes to someday travel the world. You can find more of her work here (link to: gracebida.carbonmade.com) or follow her on instagram @gracebpics
Artist’s Statement:
The cool thing about these images to me is that they highlight the intersection between imagination and reality. They focus on the idea that we all wear masks to conceal who we really are. Society's tendency to resort to judgement leads individuals to hide behind the mask of conformity. These photographs offer a window into the world of all the veiled individuals who wear masks.
CW: Images depict genitals, top surgery scars, and self harm scars
Highlighter Images
by Jing Jing Wang
Jing Jing Wang is a genderqueer Chinese American high schooler. They are a multidisciplinary artist (theatre, dance, writing, etc.) and love getting involved with their community. They believe in the power of art to enact change. Art Instagram @jingshiwang01.
Artist's Statement
While I am fortunate to not suffer from body dysmorphia or much physical gender dysphoria, I know that isn't the case for many people. This series (currently at 32 pieces and counting) began as a way to create some finished works while continuing to draw the human figure. It eventually became a vibrant celebration of body diversity as well. There are transgender individuals depicted, people with self-harm scars, stretch marks, prosthetics, tattoos, and more. The body positivity movement, addressing intersection of body image and mental health is so important. I also encourage people to place less weight on the concept of "beauty" and recognize the worth and value of our bodies regardless of their assigned "beauty."
by Jing Jing Wang
Jing Jing Wang is a genderqueer Chinese American high schooler. They are a multidisciplinary artist (theatre, dance, writing, etc.) and love getting involved with their community. They believe in the power of art to enact change. Art Instagram @jingshiwang01.
Artist's Statement
While I am fortunate to not suffer from body dysmorphia or much physical gender dysphoria, I know that isn't the case for many people. This series (currently at 32 pieces and counting) began as a way to create some finished works while continuing to draw the human figure. It eventually became a vibrant celebration of body diversity as well. There are transgender individuals depicted, people with self-harm scars, stretch marks, prosthetics, tattoos, and more. The body positivity movement, addressing intersection of body image and mental health is so important. I also encourage people to place less weight on the concept of "beauty" and recognize the worth and value of our bodies regardless of their assigned "beauty."
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Intersect by Victoria Hsieh
(Featured on this issue's cover) Victoria Hsieh is a current junior at Bellevue High School who is interested in the intersection of environmental studies, politics, and business. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry and painting to raise awareness about mental health and other societal stigmas. |
We may be on different paths, but we will meet again
Digital
by Steph (Instagram: @steiheon)
Digital
by Steph (Instagram: @steiheon)