Carmen Miskel

Arranged by Doris Abdolian, Maya Ash, and Elly Dawson

Grade

Mediums

2-D Art

Classes Taken at Harriton

Art 9H, Art 1H, Art 2H, AP Art & Design

Self Introduction

Carmen has been an active member of the art and general Harriton community. She is involved in many clubs and activities: the National Art Honors Society, National Honors Society, Writing Center, SAGE, and Model UN/World Affairs. She is also committed to civic engagement and other sorts of activism. Carmen is involved with Zenith as she is one of our three heads. She has occupied this position since 2021, leading many creative sessions and launching the Marketplace with Rose & Mekala. Carmen is graduating this year and will soon begin her collegiate life. We are sure that she will continue to shine a ray of positivity into others' lives as she commences a new chapter.

Send off Messages

Carmen makes up a third of the Zenith heads at Harriton. We have gathered a few messages from those who have known her. Read their kind words below:

“I met Carmen this year in my AP Government class. I remember her being one of the first people I befriended in that class, and she was always smiling and super kind. I also enjoyed being in clubs with her, like Model UN, where she always brought snacks and congratulated everyone for their presentations. Carmen is so sweet and kind; her smile lights up a room, and she is always there to listen and give advice. I loved getting to know her this year, and I’m so happy for her, and I cannot wait to see what she does in the future!
— Samaira Bhojwani (11)”

— Samaira Bhojwani

““Carmen brings an energy to everything and everyone around her that is just captivating. She is the type of person that makes everyone feel welcome and important. Her presence enabled Zenith to bloom with creativity and expression. She will be missed, but I know wherever she goes, she will bring the same attitude and will flourish.””

— Anonymous (11)

“Carmen proved to be incredibly important for the morale of the clubs she participated in. She provided engaging arguments regarding our conversations. I am grateful for her never-ending optimistic takes and the support she offered. ”

— Anonymous (12)

Interview

What is your favorite medium to create with?

Probably oils, but I also like doing pen and ink drawings with a micron pen. I always use the 0.01 size.

What other art styles are you interested in?

Surrealism has always been super cool. Salvador Dali and Frida Khalo specifically. I say surrealism because it makes you think, but to be honest, I like portraiture.

What was your introduction to those art forms?

In 5th grade, I had a Salvador Dali phase, but then I discovered he was a terrible person.

Who are your favorite visual artists? Why?

Mekala Kumar because she can represent herself and her mishmash of cultures in her art which is super cool. I also like Charlie Mackesy because his art is so warm. It is more like poetry than a drawing. I would also say, Frida Kahlo. Her art is just beautiful. There are no two ways around it.

From where do you derive inspiration? How does that affect your artwork?

My life? I have not lived an exotic or exciting life, but I have still been alive for 18 years. So I like to do art about my emotions and as a way to express myself. It is challenging to explain how you feel with words and even more difficult to find the confidence to share those words with others. Art is an easy way out of this issue.

What is your thematic exploration for your AP Art & Design Sustained Investigation? What common themes do you use in your work (for non-AP)?

My AP sustained investigation theme is about my growth through adolescence. Pretty plain and vague, but whatever.

How do you see yourself through your art? Do you see yourself?

I only have artwork of myself. It is narcissistic, but also, I am the best reference because I am ALWAYS THERE. Also, there is no pressure to mess up and make the reference (myself) feel bad.

How do you plan to continue your art and incorporate it into your life in the future?

I am minoring in art at the University of Virginia (UVA). Yasss!!!

How do you think your artistic journey will develop/evolve?

I hope that I get better.

What advice do you have for students who want to be involved in art but are unsure if it fits into their schedule?

Prioritize it. That is all I have to say. Prioritize it over that extra science class or comp-sci class. You may want to take those classes for college, but they are not worth it. People tend to overachieve, but YOU DESERVE THIS. It is much more difficult to continue your artistic endeavors without the class in your schedule because you will feel pressured to do your math homework instead. But, if you set the time away to be in an art class, you will have no choice!

What is your taste in music? What do you listen to while you make art?

Right now, I like New Order. I will listen to one or two albums on repeat for a month. Right now, it is Substance and Low-Life.

What has been the best part of your senior year?

The part that lets us sleep more.

If you could be anything/anyone, who would you be?

If I could not be myself, I would be Rose Weathers.

If you could have one wish granted by a magical genie, what would it be and why?

I would wish for two wishes. Then, I will ask that I stop procrastinating and become a Photoshop god.

Any Advise?

Be kind and stop caring as much but care about other people's feelings. So stop but also start to care. Stay informed with the news because you do not want to look like someone who knows nothing about what is happening in the world. If your friends are mean to you, make new friends. I think that girls are better than boys.

Do you live with regrets?

Thank you for asking this. Yes, I do live with regrets. I live with many regrets. The trick is to live with them while preventing them from eating your brain. I am still not very good at this, but I do not regret living with regrets. I think that regrets make sure that I do not repeat stupid actions.

Do you fear death?

No, I do not fear death. Death fears me.

What is your favorite food?

Soup.

What is your favored chain of restaurant/ fast food chain

Cava? Is that lame?

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Mushrooms, sorry.

What is your favorite animal?

…Penguins…

Song?

Oxford Comma.