Mekala Kumar

Arranged by Doris Abdolian, Maya Ash, and Elly Dawson

Grade

12

Mediums

2-D Art, Ceramics and Sculptures, Metal Arts, Digital Arts and Graphics, and Mixed Media

Classes Taken at Harriton

Art 9H, Art 1 H, Art 2H, AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, Ceramics, and Metal Arts

Self Introduction

I'd describe myself as a multimedia artist because I love exploring new mediums and can't choose a favorite one. My hobbies include reading comics, cuddling with my dog, and making jewelry. A fun fact about me: my name translates to fine art.

Send off Message

Mekala makes up a third of the Zenith's heads. She is graduating this year. Here are some kind words about her.

“Mekala contributed a lot to Zenith as a leader. Zenith would not be the same without her. Her creative ideas and fantastic art skills are unique and helpful. Not only does she paint and draw, but Mekala’s 3-D art displays extraordinary skills. Thank you for your contribution, and we wish you the best of luck in pursuing art in the future.”

— Anonymous (11)

“I remember the first time I saw Mekala’s work. The beauty and message in her work blew me away. I know I will see Mekala’s work in a gallery or museum one day. Her skill showed not only in her artwork but in her dedication to leading Zenith. Thank you for all you’ve done for Zenith. It will not be the same without you!”

— Anonymous (11)

Interview

M: Hi, my name is Mekala. I am in 12th Grade, and I describe myself as a multimedia artist. I am going to the Rhode Island School of Design next year. I mostly paint with oils, sculpt, make metal art, and indulge in digital artmaking.

MA: What's your favorite medium to create with?

M: I do not have a favorite medium and enjoy learning about new ones. I like doing mixed media, which expands my skills.

MA: Out of the mediums you work with, which do you like to combine or experiment with?

M: I sometimes bring my traditional art into digital.

MA: Do you have an artist that you look up to? Who are some of your favorite visual artists?

M: I follow a lot of artists on Instagram. I have always liked Da Vinci because he did science and art.

DA: You said you experiment with a lot of different media. Do you have one that you think is underrated?

M: Underrated? Sculpting because you need to use other skills. My first time sculpting, I made my face. It let me know what my face looked like.

MA: What inspires you most when creating art?

M: I often revise my artwork and build on my past ideas. The people I interact with also inspire me.

MA: This ties into my next question, what is the theme for your AP portfolio?

M: My theme is connecting my Indian and Chinese heritage through art.

DA: Is there a reason why you chose that theme?

M: I tend to do a lot of artwork about that, and through art, I have learned more about my culture. I especially learned about my Indian side since I can speak Chinese but no Indian language.

DA: You are attending an art-focused school for college, so is there anything you want to tell people who are on the fence about pursuing art in college?

M: I know many people do not have the privilege to attend an art school, but I do not think it is necessary to go to one to become a professional artist.

MA: What advice would you give incoming students seeking to explore art at Harriton?

M: If you are really into art, take multiple art classes. I took a ceramics class and a metal art class, and that was one of my best decisions throughout high school; It was a fun experience.

DA: Since you have taken all those art classes, how will your art experiences evolve going forward?

M: Well, I do not know what art field I will go into now because I have explored everything and liked them all. So, I still have more exploring to do.

DA: Going back to your AP theme about your Indian and Chinese heritage, do you think you will continue to make art about that theme?

M: I think I'll occasionally continue with that theme, but I also think I have not been able to create personal artwork yet. So, I am going to push myself to do that.

MA: Here is a less art-focused question. Do you listen to music often, and if so, what do you listen to?

M: I listen to a lot of different languages, like Chinese. I am starting to listen to more Indian music. I am really into Taiwanese rock right now. Sometimes, I feel that loud music helps me focus.

MA: What has been the best part of your Senior year?

M: In my AP Art classes, I feel like I am focusing on art more this year cause I have more time.

MA: Do you have any favorite places in the area?

M: Maybe, Chinatown because it is fun to go with friends. It is also a familiar place.

MA: Favorite food?

M: Hotpot.

MA: Favorite drink?

M: Avocado smoothie.

MA: Favorite restaurant?

M: I do not have one.

MA: Favorite pizza topping?

M: I do not have one.