Featured Artist: Ty Nagvajara

Interviewed by Aruna Balasubramanian

Introduction

Ty participates in the Harriton Art community in many different ways. He is a writer, a dancer, and an artist, and he works for Zenith, Harriton Banner, and in Art 2H. In Banner, Ty is one of the editors for the Arts & Entertainment section, a major figure in keeping up to date in art-related Harriton news. In Zenith, Ty is an Editor in Chief for the Right Now section. Ty fills Right Now with content when it lacks it (a relief for Zenith staff), and he single-handedly creates content for the Featured Artist section. And out of appreciation for his efforts, Zenith is making Ty our Spring Featured Artist.

Questions

What form of writing do you enjoy the most?

I would say creative writing, specifically realistic fiction, is my favorite form of writing. I think it provides a lot of artistic freedom while still allowing the author to create humane experiences and relatable characters. I also enjoy journalism, specifically long-format features. 

What inspires your writing?

Usually when I finish a book, movie, or a TV series, I gain a lot of inspiration to begin creating my own pieces. Different locations are also extremely formative when I am beginning to write. Plenty of my ideas have stemmed from the rumbling streets of Bangkok or my grandfather’s breezy house in Cape Cod.   

What would you say to students who struggle with writing creatively?

Good creative writing stems from good creative writing. For someone who is struggling I think it is important to constantly be immersing yourself in various forms of media. If you intend on writing a mystery, it’s great to read and watch as many mysteries to get yourself in that mindset. I also enjoy brainstorming with friends and trying to collaborate on interesting ideas. The blank page is always a daunting task but working with others can be really helpful.

Who are your favorite visual artists?

From a young age, I was surrounded by the works of Van Gogh, Monet, and El Greco, among others, so I think I’ll always share a strong connection to those artists. Edward Hopper is another painter whose style and emotion I really admire. In terms of the last few years, I think Kehinde Wiley is incredible and perfectly combines classical and modern elements to create incredible vignettes of black life. 

Why type of visual art do you enjoy making the most, and why?

While I love the tactile works (drawings, paintings, collages, etc.) that I get to create in my Art 2H class, my favorite visual art is dance. For six years, dance has been one of the most important aspects of my life. Combining two things that seem so disconnected–athletics and art–and creating something so entertaining, yet physically challenging, is what attracts me to this art form so much. I love choreography and think that being able to tell a story with only movement and music is a singular experience. 

What other art styles are you interested in? 

I’ve always shared a strong love for photography and filmmaking. Most of the works I included are photographs because a lot of my pieces are at school. I’ve definitely become detached from this style, but I will always love film and photography. 

Who are your favorite musicians?

My music style is quite eclectic; some of my favorites include Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Amy Winehouse, Joni Mitchell, and Lorde. Recently, Barcelona-born singer Rosalía has been one of my favorites because of the way she infuses flamenco with reggaeton, pop, and trap. 

How many clubs do you participate in at Harriton, and which ones?

Too many! Besides Zenith, I participate in Asian Culture Club, The Banner, Witness Inspire Act (WIA), BuildOn, Student Council, Writing Fellows, and Peer Mentor Program.

What advice do you have for students who want to be in many clubs, but are unsure if they can fit them into their schedules?

For people who are interested in becoming more involved in clubs, I’d say that it is important to be in touch with your passions and make sure that every activity you participate in is truly something you enjoy. Getting in touch with teachers is also essential so you can communicate when you have conflicts. Ultimately, it is important to have the right intentions. I am involved in all these clubs because I like being busy and I share a genuine interest in all of them, not solely for college applications and resumes.