AP DRAWING PORTFOLIO

In my AP Drawing Art Portfolio I chose to investigate and showcase the ties between contemporary and Classical culture and the common themes that exist across time. As an aspiring Classicist, I wanted to combine my love of the ancients with my love of artistic expression, while representing the intricate connections between modern and ancient and the tales of love/strife that offer intimate portraits of the human experience. By combining more traditional techniques with experimental practices and modern materials/self-portraits, I synthesized ideas of the past with my lived experience, striving to exemplify universal truths and connections.

I began by using oil paint and traditional styles/subjects, but later created frames focused on the themes within the myths and the connections between them then and now, evoking a more industrial, raw, and contemporary feeling. I wanted to represent how the original myth is central and though society changes the themes that "surround" the myths remain relevant. As I continued my portfolio I kept using oil paint to stay rooted in tradition, but combined self-portraits with the classical figures, mixing them to show the innate connections between ancient traditions and modern life.

Narcissus and His Reflection

Description: In the myth of Narcissus, Narcissus falls in love with his own reflection, turning into a flower that shares the same name. The frame represents the dangers of vanity and destruction it can bring. In a world where people are increasingly obsessed with their own image or how they are perceived by others, self worth and confidence are shattered, leaving behind a shell of a person. Here I used reflecting plastic that I broke into shards to create a shattered mirror effect to represent this internal delimma and brokenness.

Painting details: 15" x 19" x 1.5" | Oil on canvas & broken plastic mirror shards depicting brokenness from obsessing over appearance.

Description: In the myth of Prometheus, Prometheus steals fire from the gods to give to humanity, sparking progress and civilization. The frame represents how although progress is ultimately good, it never comes without a cost. While Prometheus' fire brings light to a dark world, there is always something (or someone) that will get burned. Here I used a blowtorch to char the point of contact the flame (progress) has with the frame and used warm toned oil paints for a "burning ember" effect.

Painting details: 12" x 15" x 1.5" | Oil on canvas & burned frame where the edge meets fire to depict the consequences of progress.

Prometheus and the Flame

Description: In the myth of Pygmalion, the sculptor Pygmalion models a woman, Galatea, out of marble and falls madly in love with her, begging the goddess Venus to grant her life. The frame represents the relationship we as artists have with our art. We toil, obsess, and, in our own ways, fall in love with our creations. Here, I reused part of my artistic process –– my palette –– giving it new life as an intertwining mosaic to symbolize this complex relationship and endless cycle of creation.

Painting details: 15" x 12" x 1.5" | Oil on canvas & cut up palette paper "mosaic tiles" on frame to show relationship of art and artist.

Galatea and Pygmalion

Description: In the myth of Orpheus, Orpheus' wife, Eurydice, dies and he chases after her, using song to convince Hades to let her go, but ultimately failing to bring her home. The frame represents the inherently human desire to gain back what we've lost and how that is expressed. Much like Orpheus, people across time have used song and poetry to channel and process their grief. Here I compiled sheet music and poems/ songs from different cultures/ in different languages about lost love, dying them a pinky-red to represent love and anger/grief for what has been lost, distressing and papier-mache-ing them on the frame.

Painting details: 10" x 12" x 1" | Oil on canvas & assorted hand-dyed & torn up sheet music & poetry/song lyrics about grief/lost love.

Orpheus and His Lament

Romulus and Remus

Description: In the myth of Romulus and Remus, the two brothers are raised by a wolf, Romulus eventually growing up to slaughter Remus during a fight over the founding of Rome. The frame represents tensions in relationships, especially familial ones, that exist throughout time. While it did not end well, that doesn't mean the tenderness and familial affection never existed; within the relationship exists both love and strife. I used strips of leather, a harsher, more combative and punitive material and wove it together portraying both the strength and struggle inside these bonds.

Painting details: 16" x 20" x 1" | Oil on canvas & strips of leather glued on frame to show the complex nature of family ties.

Description: In the myth of Icarus, Icarus' father builds them wings of feathers and wax so they could escape the tower they were locked in, however Icarus doesn't heed his father's warnings and flies to close to the sun, the wings melting as he falls to his death. We as humans struggle to be satisfied, always wanting more or one thing or another, but if we are constantly chasing, it will always fall short of our expectations. Here I used Greek beeswax, melting it in phases to create overlapping drips, but making sure to keep the torch far enough away that I would not undo all my progress to symbolize this danger of going too far.

Painting details: 52" x 40" x 1" | Oil on canvas & Greek wax poured in layers, its fickle nature represents the dangers of intemperance.

Icarus Falling

Self Portraits from AP Art Portfolio

Description: Oil on wood, kept wooden background to draw attention to self-portrait/helmet and connections.

Details: 11" x 14" x 1 "

Connections Across Time

Description: Oil on board depicting me and Roman boy working on homework with our respective materials.

Details: 12" x 24" x 1 "

Taking Up the Mantel

All Rivers Lead to Styx

Description: Oil on Canvas, clear plastic sheets as overlays tangibly bringing myth and reality together

Details: 16" x 20" x 0.5"

PERFORMING ARTS & MUSICAL THEATER

At Pacifica Christian High School, I further pursued my interest in the arts by participating in the ensemble for two musicals theater productions: Newsies (2024) and High School Musical (2025). Participation included: attended daily practices to learn and teach blocking and choreography; designed and constructed props; and assisted with costuming and prep during tech week and during shows.