Multiple times a day, members of St. Lukes casually pass by the spring art show displayed in the third-floor art gallery. Some pause to admire the talented work, but most, immersed in their busy school schedules, miss the opportunity to see the work of amazing artists, many of whom you would not know take art classes.
For example, did you know Girls Varsity Tennis stars Kelly Neuner ’24 and Ainsley Birmingham ’25 are developing unique portfolios in their respective third and fourth years in painting?
Walk by the art room windows during Z period, and you will see Neuner and Birmingham deeply engaged in their unique paintings. Their talents have grown throughout their time in high school, taking many levels of painting and art classes taught by skilled art instructor Sean Lynch. Having mastered the basics, Neuner and Birmingham took the next step in their artistic journeys this year, creating paintings centered around a particular theme.
Neuner interprets various songs through her paintings, while Birmingham captures the art and beauty of reflections. Concentrating on the two artists’ favorite paintings from this year, which encapsulate their chosen themes, Neuner and Birmingham talked about their artistic processes, journeys, and experiences.
What inspired the theme for your paintings?
Neuner: “I knew that there were various scenes I wanted to paint, so a theme like “doorways” or “fruit” would limit what I could create. I love listening to music and liked that I could use various songs to tell a story, so I incorporated them to create my theme!”
How did you choose the songs on which you based your paintings?
Neuner: “I went into my Spotify likes and chose the ones that have some sort of sentimental value to me, all for various reasons. After choosing the songs to paint, I created a scene in my head.”
What was the most challenging part of your paintings?
Neuner: “Finding references was definitely challenging. Since I thought of what I wanted to paint before finding a photo, it was difficult to get one that captured my vision exactly.”
What does painting do for you? Why do you take it past the requirement?
Neuner: “For me, painting is a time when I can escape all my other thoughts and lose track of time. It has definitely helped my mental health, too, which is why I keep taking it past the requirement. It gives me time to pause, and I feel accomplished after finishing my paintings.”
Where do you see yourself with art in the future?
Neuner: “I want to continue painting in college, and even though I may not fit it into my class schedule, I will buy some paints or drawing things to keep in my dorm and use whenever I get the chance!”
What inspired the theme for your paintings?
Birmingham: “I wanted to create pieces with a familiar feel, so I thought about when people feel the most reflective. With this in mind, I decided to create the girl blowing bubbles with a reflection of her eye in a bubble to show a new way she sees the world. In addition, I painted a girl staring in the mirror, touching up her makeup as another representation of physical self-reflection.”
What was the most challenging part of your paintings?
Birmingham: “In both my paintings, I had to paint hands. Hands are complicated to paint because they look weird in general. It took a lot of patience to get them to an acceptable state.”
What does painting do for you? Why do you take it past the requirement?
Birmingham: “I truly enjoy painting and the happiness it brings me. Art is something that I always gravitate to when I am stressed. With Lynch’s music in the background every Z period at 9 a.m., I can push all the stress out of my mind and let my brain relax. I decided to take it past the requirement because of this reason, and I am grateful to be able to have this outlet every week in school.”
Where do you see yourself with art in the future?
Birmingham: “I want to continue art in some way throughout my life. Whether I take classes in college or do it in my free time, it’s worthwhile in my life, and I look forward to continuing it.”
Next time you walk past the art gallery, take a moment to appreciate the works of these profound painters and artists. Their hard work, often overlooked, deserves to be recognized and celebrated in the same manner as academic, athletic, and theatrical performances. When we acknowledge and celebrate students’ artistic achievements, we not only honor their talents but inspire others in the St. Luke’s community to explore their creativity.
