Featured Artist: Jade Adelman

By: Ty Nagvajara

Since freshman year, senior Jade Adelman has been part of the Harriton Art community. Starting in metal arts and joining art honors classes in junior year, Adelman has been crafting extraordinary pieces that have been displayed not only at our school but nationally. Jade had a necklace nominated for a Saul Bell Design Award, an international jewelry design competition, last year http://www.saulbellaward.com/. 

Last spring, she used her artistic skills to craft a large mural located in the cafeteria. To learn more about Jade and her artistic process, read below. 

1. What inspires your artwork?

In my metal pieces, I use symbolic images to portray my family members and their stories. Experimentation and a desire to learn more skills and grow as an artist have been the main drive behind my 2-D artwork. 

2. What is it like working in different media?

Working in different media has helped me discover more about other ones. Knowing how to transform sketches into three-dimensional pieces has helped me learn to do the opposite and draw round objects onto a flat piece of paper. I've noticed that working in different forms of art has helped my artwork become visually stronger. 

3. What would you say to students nervous about taking metal arts?

Definitely take it! You don't know until you try. I went into high school, assuming I would be a business major in college, but metal arts allowed me to explore my passion for being hands-on and creative.

4. The last TV show you binged?

All American but currently binging Shameless. 

5. If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Thai food

6. What piece are you most proud of? 

I'm most proud of my statement necklace, “Heirloom,” inspired by my Great Grandmother's coral collection, which was distributed throughout our family after she passed. Every part of this piece was created for symbolic reasons to better tell the story. I am really proud of how this piece visually turned out and was honored that it enabled me to be a finalist in the Saul Bell Design competition. 

7. What's one thing that art at Harriton has taught you?

That exploration isn't something to be scared of; it's something that can lead you to improve your work, grow as an artist, and discover what techniques work for you. 

8. Favorite genre of music that someone may not expect?

Country, I love it!

9. What do you want Harriton students to get out of your mural in the cafeteria?

It is a reminder to people that everybody's hearts are with one another in the community. Even if someone feels like they are not loved, they are.