“How Does Someone’s Brain Dramatize Irrational Fears?” That’s the chilling central theme of senior Anna Shekthman’s AP Art portfolio this year. From shadowy figures in the dark to eerie clowns, her work embodies the intense and irrational ways our minds process fear.
Anna’s art journey began from a young age, and after discovering her artistic escape, never stopped. After taking Art 1, 2, and 3 at Westmont, she is now finishing her highschool art career with AP Art, where she is investigating the brain’s interpretation of illogical fears. “The mind interests me,” she says. “I don’t necessarily fear these things myself, but it’s fascinating to see why other people do.”
So Anna began researching, asking friends, classmates, and herself about the biggest irrational fears. Answers ranged from balloons and the dark to eyelash curlers and conformity. Below are pieces from her AP portfolio.
Anna explored a variety of materials and mediums in her portfolio, using plaster cloth, oil pastels, colored pencils, spray paint, and digital media like anaglyph 3D art. One unique piece utilized intaglio printmaking, a technique that involves carving into a block and pressing it to paper. One of her works, a textured plaster cloth piece about fear of the dark, was recently featured in Westmont’s Got Art! “There are no restrictions in art,” Anna says, “In math and science, you have to think a certain way. But art just comes to me. It’s always been best for how my brain works.”
Anna also expresses herself creatively through nail art. Starting as a casual experiment in freshman year, nail art has become a hobby she is now very passionate about. Painting tiny, intricate masterpieces for her sister and friends, she finds joy in wearing wearable art. “You’re essentially a walking canvas,” Anna exclaims. She expresses interest in one day becoming a tattoo artist to craft more wearable pieces for people. As graduation approaches Anna looks forward to stepping out of highschool and sharing her art with the world.
