Yara Kharrat

Interview by Doris Abdolian and Edited and Transcribed by Doris Abdolian

Grade

Mediums

2-D Art, Ceramics and Sculptures, and Mixed Media

Classes Taken at Harriton

IB Visual Arts

Self Introduction

My name is Yara. I am a senior and just moved to the United States from Lebanon. I joined IB Visual Arts SL this year since I usually enjoyed drawing in my free time (despite not having any serious previous art experience). My main goals were to celebrate the rich traditions of the Arab World and showcase the connection one can feel to their roots (despite any bad experiences). I strive to share this beauty and my experience, prompting others to reflect on their culture. There is so much more to be said, and art is a beautiful way to bring these unique aspects of one's background to life.

Interview

Y: I am currently a senior. I have just moved here from Lebanon. I want to major in computer science.

D: What is your favorite medium to create with?

Y: I initially enjoyed drawing using pencils, but now I am leaning more toward chalk pastels.

D: Are there any media you are experimenting with more than others?

Y: I like the 3-D effect of modeling paste, so I have been experimenting to see how it works and how I can communicate with the canvas.

D: What was it like working with that medium?

Y: I initially thought modeling paste would be enough to enjoy. But in reality, it requires a lot of experimentation or just different mediums applied to it for me to be satisfied with the final product.

D: What is one art style that you think is underrated?

Y: People forget photography at times. Images sufficiently communicate a very stark or clear picture/idea.

D: What other art styles are you interested in?

Y: I want to work on realism. I love drawing faces, but I am not good at it. I want to unlock my abilities in that realm.

D: What was your introduction to those art forms?

Y: It was mostly just seeing videos online. Many videos zoomed in on the eye, and it looked like it was an actual person. It turned out to be a painting.

D: Who are your favorite visual artists? Why?

Y: Recently, I have been interested in René Magritte because I like the surrealist aspect of his artwork. I also like André Kalfayan. He is a Lebanese artist, and I like his work with oil paint.

D: Do you see yourself in your artwork?

Yes, more or less. I want to infuse a bit more of my identity, like my personal identity, but I feel like a part of that is first addressing my country. I made a piece with calligraphy, specifically Arabic calligraphy. I thought that was interesting since museums typically have the Quran. It's a central part of the art form in Lebanon and the part of the world I come from.

D: How do you think your artistic journey will evolve from now?

It's not my plan to major in art, but I would like to keep it as a hobby. I would want to develop my skills in general. I always try to have a specific time to paint or draw during the week. And I'd like to carry that around with me throughout my life.

D: Is there anything else you want others to know about your work?

Most of my work draws from my experience in Lebanon. It is a mixture of good and bad times because that's how I interpreted it. I like to convey it as a mix because the media typically cover the bad times. I wanted to show both and how that enriches my experience rather than hinders my connection to my community. And throughout my process, I enjoyed sharing with the people around me and hearing their stories.

D: What is your favorite place in the Philadelphia area?

Y: I think Narberth Park. I spent time there when I first moved here and didn't know anyone. The sunsets are pretty there.

D: What is your favorite drink/coffee/tea

Y: Iced coffee, like an iced latte.

D: What is your favorite pizza topping?

Pepperoni.

D: What is your favorite animal?

Polar bear.

D: What is your favorite color?

Grey.

D: What is your favorite animated movie?

Y: I guess, Moana.