From coloring in bright landscapes, to intricate free hand self-portraits, Janice Sumin Choi, a senior at NVOT, has displayed her artistic journey through her love for vibrant colors, allowing her creativity to bring ideas to real life.
During her four years at NVOT, Choi has always been involved in art classes while exploring new styles and advancing her skills. The past few years of taking art, she has influenced others in bettering their artwork as well. Senior Maya Carroll said, “I’ve never liked using color while I was doing any type of art, but she’s helped me jump out of that comfort zone in using brighter, more vibrant colors, giving my pieces a new vision.”
Choi, while helping herself has helped others, and this has taken her work to the next level. She stays humble and works hand-in-hand with her peers. Art teacher Celia Gollub said, “She is an amazing painter and an amazing drawer, but I’ve tried breaking her out of her painting and drawing style, and having her try out new printmaking mediums that she usually wouldn’t try. She has no ego with how talented she actually is.”
Choi never has any planned ideas for her art. While doing some of her most detailed pieces, she learned that it would be more fun going into her work open-minded. “My thought process while making something new is whether the idea would be fun to make or not. I prefer to go with the flow and let the painting paint itself rather than have a visual plan and outline,” she said.
Her artistic abilities extend far beyond school projects. Choi wrote and illustrated a children’s book titled A Seed Can Be, capturing her love for painting. Art teacher Donna Beekman said, “Her published book is wonderful and would even be a great Christmas present.”
Choi’s work reflects her continuing growth and discovery as an artist. Her creativity and interest in trying new techniques has made her valuable contribution to NVOT’s art community.
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DISCOVERY: The idea is to find new things and new possibilities. There are still so many things to discover, whether it be artifacts or about oneself. Mentally speaking, there are those who cannot comprehend who they are on the inside. It takes time, hope, and effort to understand and find your hopes, goals, and mind. Though one day, one will find themselves at moments they would not expect.
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SELF SABOTAGE: In this painting, there is a depiction of a woman stabbing herself, the contrast being highlighted by the different tones of skin color. The warm tone to cool tone ratio represents her becoming overwhelmed by negative ideas (self-doubt, anxiety, etc.) The smoke represents the good things in life and how it can blind the fact that she is her own saboteur.
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SELF GROWTH: Self-growth often relates to mental prosperity. An understanding of oneself and a step forward into a healthier life. There are different types of self-growth whether it be to mentally mature, or help yourself mentally and or physically. It takes time and experience to grow. Any problems or mistakes are stepping stones to blossoming into a better person.
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DAYDREAMER: While everything stays the same on the outside. Daydreaming causes everything to shift on the inside. It is a space where the imagination can go wild. I always find myself drifting into colorful surroundings with a sense of relaxation and peace. A stressless environment where I can complete tasks physically without thinking, and mentally drift into an abyss of wonders.
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INNER REFLECTION: Tears are a common reaction when you see something you love or hate. The overwhelming complexity that comes with your inner reflection, may result in tears shedding. One’s self-image can vary, as many struggle to understand who they are internally and externally. To some, a sense of self is to understand both who you are and whom you wish to be. Self-reflection is a trip to which people can evaluate themselves and their actions. To see oneself in others’ perspectives is a huge step to developing oneself and improving their inner belief.
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