Each month I will be spotlighting one of my students – past or present, and their artistic ventures! I work with students of all ages and abilities and you’ll get to learn a little bit about these amazing artists and their work!
Our May spotlight is on:
Sonny St.Pierre
My name is Sonny St. Pierre and I am 15. I am going into 11th grade. I have been enthralled with all things paleontology and marine biology since I can remember. I love to write, and I am currently working on my second revision of my first novel. Art has been an outward form of expressing my inner self since I lost my first goldfish at 5 years old. When I’m not exploring Biology or writing, I enjoy bodysurfing, hunting and fossil collecting.
How long have you been taking art lessons and why did you begin taking art lessons or become interested in art? “I have been taking art lessons for 9-10 years. I love art and I’m glad my mom signed me up when I was so little.”
What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “I am inspired by Biology and my imagination. I often use my imagination to tweak what would typically be found in nature into something new.”
What are your favorite mediums and/ or subjects for your artwork? “My favorite medium is pen or pencil. I love to draw dinosaurs and beasts.”
Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “I have a snowflake moray eel named Edgar. I enjoy keeping my saltwater tank and plan to get an octopus someday.”
When you’re making your art do like to listen to music or watch tv for inspiration (if so what)? “I enjoy listening to music when I draw. It helps me focus, but I can’t really say it’s for inspiration.”
What is your favorite color? “Blue- it’s been my favorite my whole life.”
How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? “My drawing has improved as I practice it in my downtime. I keep a notebook and draw in it often.”
Do you plan to have a career in the arts? “I do. I am interested in architecture and graphic design.”
Is there a certain style, or type, of art that you’d like to someday try? “I’d like to try 3-D modeling and sculpting.”
“This piece is my favorite I have ever made. I made it when I was much younger. It is an aquatic reptilian tetrapod of Phylum Chordata, Class Reptila, Order Squmata, Family Mosasauridea, Tribe Mosasaurini, and Genus Mosasaurus. In short, it was a prehistoric marine reptile. I entered it into an art show and won second. I brought it home and hung it in my room. Three years ago, we had a house fire and I feared this piece was ruined by the smoke. After a lot of care, treatment and fresh air, it hangs, once again in my room.”
Sonny is always creative in his artwork and brings a bit of science to his pieces! He has a lot of passion for the elements & subjects of his work – it’s inspiring! He’s not afraid to try new mediums, techniques, or add his own twist, making his work unique and one of a kind. Keep on creating and bringing those ideas to life!
