Jack Kallen

Interview by Doris Abdolian, Transcribed by Maya Ash

Grade

Mediums

Metal Arts, Digital Art and Graphics, Photography

Classes Taken at Harriton

Film-Photo 1, Film-Photo 2, Communication Design, Metals 1, Metals 3H

Self Introduction

As an artist, I look at pain as the primary form of expression of human experience. I think that there is no greater teacher, nor a greater piece of human struggle and strife than the examination of pain. Through art, I attempt to capture and display my own struggles to try and understand them better and learn from them.

Interview

What’s your favorite medium to create with?

I love to work with digital arts. I think photoshop is a very versatile tool that helps me create so many amazing things.

What other art styles are you interested in?

I like metal arts, sculpture, photography, and primarily drawing.

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

I draw (art pun intended) inspiration from the people closest to me who have helped me through the most difficult of times. I like to turn the melancholy parts of my life into symbols of strength and resilience.

What common themes do you explore in your artwork?

I frequently explore loss, anxiety, depression, and dogmatism in my works. These topics relate to me on a personal level, as I battle mental illness and also fight to change the world for the better.

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

I use art primarily as an outlet for expressing my emotions. I think as long as I experience life and the flow of emotions I will always create to release it all.

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

Art is just as much about the process as it is the result. I think that if you have meaning to portray in your work, it doesn’t matter how ornate the result is. A little work here and there can add up to really give your piece what you want it to have and show.