Lydia Behler

Interview by Doris Abdolian, Maya Ash, and Elly Dawson, Transcribed by Elly Dawson

Grade

Mediums

Digital Arts and Graphics, Film-Photography, Communication and Design, and Mixed Media

Classes Taken at Harriton

Art 9H, Art 1 H, Art 2H, Art 3 H, AP Art & Design, Film/Photo 2H,
Film/Photo 3H, Film/Photo 4H, Film/Photo 5H,

Self Introduction

Hi, I'm Lydia Behler, and I love to work with photography and digital mix media art. I find a lot of inspiration from artists I follow on Instagram, my family, tv shows, and music! My favorite type of photography is when I can control and design the set I'm shooting. When I'm not focusing on art, I've spent much of my time playing soccer and running track year-round at Harriton. I'm very excited to study graphic design at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Arts next year and am thankful for the awesome art community Harriton has given me
over the last four years!

Interview

L: I like to work with mixed media. I mainly focus on photography, but next year I am going to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and majoring in graphic design.

MA: When you use mixed media, what does that involve?

L: Collage with photography and type and shape, but more digital.

MA: Do you find yourself experimenting?

L: Right now, I am experimenting with spray paint on canvas.

ED: What is it like working with spray paint?

L: Oh, it is freeing!

ED: Really?

L: It is fun. It is like I am doing something right now with many layers, and I get to go for it. That is what I like most about art, the whole experimental aspect.

ED: Are there any other styles you might try?

L: We were making the quilt squares; I am doing a Ukrainian

cross-stitch piece.

ED: Does that relate to you as a person?

L: I am Ukrainian, and heritage is the focus of my AP Art theme.

ED: Do you have any favorite visual artists?

L: Many people I follow on Instagram, one being Terry Urban. He is this prominent mixed media designer that I love.

ED: You talked about cultural heritage being one of your inspirations. Do you have other sources of inspiration?

L: Mostly Instagram, the people I follow, and other magazines.

ED: You said you were going to Virginia Commonwealth Art College. How do you see yourself growing as an artist?

L: I am just so excited to learn more about graphic design. I have taken a couple of classes, but being able to experiment with so many other materials like woodwork and metals. I am just going to be doing and learning about art. It is going to be great!

DA: What made you decide to pursue art?

L: I honestly cannot see myself doing anything else; art is the field I am most excited about and passionate about.

ED: Do you have any advice for incoming artists or those who want to be creative?

L: You have to go for it. You can not think about if you are good enough or not. It is just that everyone is creative in their way; you got to get it on paper.

DA: You have a DIY photography studio. How is that? What advice do you have for others who want to make their own?

L: Get a bed sheet and a camera. I got lighting equipment from my mom's friend, so you have to go for it. If you have an idea, do it.

ED: Now will move to the less art-focused question, do you have a favorite genre of music or artist?

L: I would say rap. I am really into rap. I am really into Brockhampton, Tyler the Creator, and Kali Uchis.

MA: Favorite Brockhampton song?

L: Honesty, Zipper.

MA: Favorite high school memory?

L: My friends, just my lunch table with my friends.

MA: Do you do any clubs or electives?

L: I took film photos and art. I also ran track and played soccer.

MA: Favorite place in Philly?

L: I would want to go to Chinatown more, but my favorite place is the art museum.