Painting a portrait of perfection

Sculpting, painting, sketching: all hobbies artists do to fulfill their time and uplift their spirits through self-expression. Although artists form masterpieces for their own enjoyment, being recognized for their art can be seen as a milestone for any artist, especially when recognized by the school board’s superintendent. Seniors Samanah Guyah and Cara Benacquisto got to witness this acknowledgment first hand when admitted into the superintendent’s art gallery.

The art-making process is filled with unexpected twists and turns as both artists point out, but as artists, they turn the mishaps into perfect imperfections that add to the art piece itself. As a form of expression, both artists take their craft outside of school to create artwork that radiates themselves and what they feel. Although the pieces of art did not originate for the purpose of submission into the superintendent’s art gallery, both Guyah and Benacquisto were elated when they found out that Runcie will display their art.

Guyah, who takes pleasure in art for the craft of the art-making process and for self-expression, created her own self portrait titled “Empty Spaces,” which then got submitted by superintendent Robert Runcie into his prestigious art gala. Created with dictionary paper, glitter pieces, and acrylic paint, Guyah used unconventional media to construct a surrealistic portrait. As one of her few self-portraits made, Guyah took pride in displaying her vibrant yet isolated portrait make the cut.

“I was shocked that my art was recognized because it turned out nothing how I expected it to, but at the end of the day it was a nice piece that I am very proud of,” said Guyah. “That is the best part about art though, you can start off with one thing imagined but it transforms into some other beautiful creation.”

Creating artwork throughout her whole life, Benacquisto excels in her creativity through fabricating real life images and adding her own personal touches to her pieces. Recognized for her piece “Minor Inconvenience,” a self-portrait, Benacquisto was surprised when finding out her surreal self-portrait was submitted into the superintendent’s art gallery. “Minor Inconvenience” is made out of water color paint in order to portray a realistic version of herself with an ironic twist added into her portrait.

“It felt strange to be admitted into Runcie’s art gallery but it was an honor that my art was picked among other great artists,” said Benacquisto. “I love making my art look as realistic as possible and I believe that was shown through the featured piece.”

Both artists have truly made a lasting impression on the observers of their art with true talent.