Elly Dawson

Interviewed by Doris Abdolian and Maya Ash

Grade

Mediums

2-D Art (Painting, sketching, charcoal, printmaking, etc.)

Classes Taken at Harriton

Art 9H, Art 1H, Art 2H, Communication Design, and AP 2-D Art and Design

Self Introduction

Hi! I’m Elly, I paint sometimes and love to read!

Interview

Art Focused Questions:

What's your favorite medium to create with?

Undoubtedly paints, specifically oils. I use acrylics, gouaches, and watercolors as well, but I really prefer the feel and look of oil paints.

Are there any media you find yourself experimenting with more than others?

Not really, I need to be more adventurous with my materials.

What do you find frustrating about it?

The time. I constantly want to rush through my pieces because I am anxious to see the finished piece but when doing that, rushing, I lessen the quality of my work. I need to find moderation when painting, take my time, and allow myself to leave my work and come back to it later.

What other art styles or mediums are you interested in?

II really want to explore film photography and collage. I actually bought a digital camera because I want to start documenting the things I see and express them through photos.

Is there a reason for photography specifically?

For a while, I became really fascinated by the works of Wilhelm von Gloeden, and I think that's where my interest began. Gloeden's work captured pre-modern Sicilian life in the late Victorian era, and beyond the beauty of his shots, they are so historically significant to our understanding of such an isolated place in the world before it was modernized. I want to do the same, to record the world around me for future people to look back on.

Who are your favorite visual artists? Why?

Historical figures wise, I love Botticelli, Bronzino, Raphael, El Greco, Caravaggio…to name a few, I could go on and on.

My favorite current artists are Rae Klein, Mark Maggiori, and Ruth Speer.

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

All of my inspiration comes from history and literature, so I feel my artwork tries to replicate the feel of past artists as well. Often, I am depicting historical people or places, so my art begins to take on the look of the eras I look at the most. I have recently tried to copy high to late Renaissance and Neoclassical styles.

Is there inspiration that is more dominant than the other?

I wouldn't say so. A lot of what inspires me comes from what interests or moves me at the moment.

What is your sustained investigation or thematic exploration?

Tying back to my inspiration, my S.I. (Sustained investigation) is about death and how our mortality can immortalize certain characters and figures.

Death is a very morbid choice of theme, how did this come about this?

Some of it was me wanting to paint the historical people I found interesting. But, more seriously, the idea of death and our mortality is something I struggle with (as I think a lot of people do), and I felt that maybe exploring the nature of death, legacy, and memory could help me grapple with it more.

Did you fulfill that?

In some ways, yes; in some ways, no. I am still horrified by the idea of death, but I have become more comfortable thinking about it.

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

I see my interests, which make up a large part of my time and personality.

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

I am honestly not sure. I don't think I will be able to pursue art at the same rate as I have been but I think if I can just continue to draw or paint when I find the time or inspiration it will be good.

What advice do you have for students who want to be involved artistically, but are unsure if they can fit it into their schedules in and out of school?

If you can't draw in class, do it at home. There are hundreds of free art resources (on whatever style you're looking to develop) online, and if you consistently draw and work to improve your art, you will be just as successful as in a class. You can also join clubs like Art Club or Zenith, which promote weekly creative sessions.

Less Art Focused Questions:

What’s your taste in music and/or what do you listen to while you’re creating?

I listen to almost everything except certain pop music. What I listen to depends on what I am making; I really need to be in the mood when I create a piece. When creating pieces set in the Renaissance/late Middle Ages, I listened to lute music and Catholic hymns. In the month I made my Western piece, Johnny Cash was my top artist.

Does music influence your work or ideas?

Definitely. Certain song lyrics help draw parallels between the narratives of my pieces, so I can really gauge what vibe I am going for.

What are the clubs or electives you participate in/take at Harriton?

Outside of the art clubs I am in, I am the co-head of the Environmental Club and a (trying to be regular) member of the Music Club. I was also a member of the Unity Mural Design Team.

Favorite place in the Philadelphia area/Nature?

It’s in Media but Ridely Creek Park is so beautiful, I work out there on the weekends and its a great way for me to spend hours outside.

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

To be able to read any book in under an hour. I am extremely saddened that I cannot read everything ever written.