Works of art by Sylvie Labalme ’23 and Celina Wang ’23 are featured in official Hotchkiss holiday materials this season. Each painting depicts a beautiful nature scene from campus. Learn more about the artists and their process below. 

Sylvie Labalme ’23

Can you describe this piece of art and your process to create it?
I painted this piece during the spring of my lower-mid year. I worked primarily from memory and pulled inspiration from a series of studies I completed of the Beeslick Brook. Throughout my process I transitioned toward a more expressive and abstracted representation of the space. I am very grateful to have my work featured in Hotchkiss holiday materials. 

What types of art do you enjoy creating?
I love simply experimenting with form and color. My preferred mediums are acrylic or oil paints. As I've built my portfolio, I have developed a focus on abstract landscapes. 

How have your classes, teachers, and time at Hotchkiss inspired your artistic vision?
The Hotchkiss art department has been truly instrumental in guiding me as an artist. Coming to Hotchkiss, I was unsure about whether studio art was something that I was qualified to pursue. However, the Humanities Art instruction provided me with a stable foundation of artistic training, and more importantly, a sense of my own identity as an artist. 

Do you plan to pursue art after Hotchkiss?
I hope to continue independent artwork beyond Hotchkiss, but I don't have plans to pursue an education in art. I am going to study politics, philosophy, and international relations in college. 

"The Hotchkiss art department has been truly instrumental in guiding me as an artist."

Celina Wang ’23

Can you describe this piece of art and your process to create it?
This piece is actually an oil paint study made for a larger piece (30 inches by 40 inches) with the same landscape, which is Lakeville’s famous Lake Wononscopomuc. I was in the midst of my process of exploring expressional open-impressionist style in landscapes when I painted this piece. I was majorly exploring with underpainting, which gives the painting a cadmium red shine in the background.

I'm really grateful for being chosen as a featured artist. It feels validating to know that my works can act as a source of inspiration or joy for those living in the community. 

What types of art do you enjoy creating?
I enjoy painting with oil paint and canvas stretching. I started all my large paintings (30 inches by 40 inches) by stretching my own canvas, which allows me to fully appreciate the process of creating original art. I love to explore with broken strokes used in traditional impressionist paintings, giving the landscapes a fragmented look when viewing closely yet allowing the eyes to adjust once viewing from afar. The strokes will connect themselves and form a cohesive presentation. 

How have your classes, teachers, and time at Hotchkiss inspired your artistic vision?
I really enjoyed working with Ms. Terri Moore! She encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace my own voice in creating original art. At the beginning of my process of creating open-impressionist landscapes, I dwelled too much on my favorite artist, Erin Hanson, and Hanson's interpretation of nature. Ms. Moore supported me as I gradually stepped out of the shadows of great predecessors, allowing my own style to shine through. 

Do you plan to pursue art after Hotchkiss?
I wish to take art as either additional courses or pursue art during my own private time. I hope to further hone my techniques and continue my passion in painting landscapes. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank Mr. Craig Bradley for choosing my piece for Hotchkiss holiday materials, and Ms. Moore for supporting me throughout the three years I spent in visual art!

"I really enjoyed working with Ms. Terri Moore! She encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace my own voice in creating original art."