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 August spotlight is on:

Kiersten Yates
Hi, my name is Kiersten, aka, Stella K. I’m in 9th grade and I love doing art – it’s my passion! I love trying new things; this year, I’ve tried volleyball, basketball, and entered my artwork into the county fair!
How long have you been taking art lessons? “3 years.”
Why did you begin to take art lessons/how did you become interested in art? “I started taking lessons because I wanted to learn more about art and learn more techniques.”
What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “My mom she loves my art and I love making art for her.”
What are your favorite mediums and/or subjects for your artwork? “My favorite is pencil work, I love making realistic drawings.”
Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “My favorite food is ratatouille”

Besides visual arts are you into any other art forms? “I’m into digital art as well”
Why do you think art is important? – Why is it important for you? “Art is a form of expression and you can pour all your emotions into a piece canvas or paper ,You can make anything out of art.”
What is your favorite thing about art? “Making a piece of art and it turning out great.”
What artist(s) from history do you admire most and why? “Frida Kahlo, I’ve always been fond of her art work ever since I was a little kid”
Do you plan to have a career in the arts? “Yes I want to make murals or sell my art.”

Do you enter your artwork in any shows or contests? “Yes, I put my art into fairs.”
Is there a certain style, or type, of art that you’d like to someday try? “I would love to try new things but I really want to try ink art and self portraits”
Do you have a favorite color? “Maybe purple or red but I don’t exactly have a favorite”
How long does it take you to complete your artwork? “2-3 hours or sometimes a couple days.”

What is your favorite thing you’ve ever created and why? “My favorite piece I’ve made is a realistic eye I made with pencil and pen.”
When you’re making your art do like to listen to music or watch tv for inspiration (if so what)? “I like to listen to music it helps me relax.”

Is there an aspect of art that you don’t like, and why? “Not at all, I really love all types of art.”
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become an artist or improve their skills? “Practice, practice makes perfect and just go with the flow, art what you want and have fun with it.”
What do you think makes a good artist and/or piece of art? “When they love what their doing.”
How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? “It’s improved a lot, I’ve practiced, taken advice, and took some lessons.”
Kiersten enjoys art – having fun while she’s creating and whether she’s encouraging a class-mate, or gifting her artwork, she brings joy to others in the process. She is open to trying new techniques and mediums; not afraid to go for it and dive right in! Even when a piece isn’t turning out the way she planned, Kiersten stays positive, persists, and works through! Keep on creating Kiersten!
Check out our other student spotlights here!