On February 24, Emerson art students competed at Memorial High School for the High School Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). Out of the 35 school districts that compete along FISD, 66 Mavericks received the highest score of 4. AP 2D Studio Art student senior Leina Beshir was among these regional finalists with her piece, “Sweeter than a Sundae”.
How long have you been doing art?
Beshir: I have been doing art since my freshman year. I initially started because I wasn’t sure what other classes to take my freshman year, and because I had always been a creative kid, I decided learning techniques in art would be beneficial in the future
What inspired you to start art?
Beshir: I started drawing when I was about 4; I would make cartoon portraits for my family and friends’ birthdays. I then started looking forward to art class when I was in elementary school and found that while I did well in other subjects at school, art was special to me because of its subjective nature and ability to create a safe environment for me.
What story does your piece “Sweeter than a Sundae” tell?
Beshir: My piece tells the story of the relationship between me and my baby sister. She sits in a throne-like chair licking ice cream on her fifth birthday. I wasn’t able to have the same experiences at her age because we were in Egypt. I wanted to capture this moment and make it specialized to her situation. There are flowers native to Egypt springing up behind her, the red lotus, representing the past and our heritage, and a throne and hair adorned with a bow in the foreground. While my sister has many opportunities, she’s able to appreciate it and so am I.
What theme do you center on when creating your pieces?
Beshir: When creating my pieces, I intend for them to reflect my perception of the world or relationships. My theme for last year’s portfolio was familial relationships and how they affect our well-being, while this year my theme tends to highlight relationships as well.
Emerson’s recent triumph at VASE, exemplified by Beshir’s regional finalist recognition for “Sweeter than a Sundae ”, celebrates the talent within the Maverick community and provides a glimpse into the stories waiting to be told through the lenses of these emerging artists. Beshir’s artistic journey, rooted in curiosity and creativity since her freshman year, reflects a profound connection to her craft.
