Student Voices: Visual Arts

(Part of the 2nd annual Student Voices Project)

Prompt: Draw or create a visual piece in response to peace, conflict, justice, or all three. You may use any drawing tools (pencils, pens, markers, watercolor, paint, etc.) or materials (paper, clay, plastic, metal, etc.).

The Dove

Josie Carabello, Grade 6, Greene Street Friends School

I created my sculpture based on the Quaker rights, religion, and beliefs. Though a white dove is traditionally a symbol of peace, I wanted to reimagine it representing happiness and equality. The hand represents peace and simplicity; the path on the base represents the path to peace; and the base itself represents our environment. I think my sculpture combines all six things together, which I think are the basic beliefs of the Quaker religion. I was inspired by the quote “There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.” by A.J. Muste to make my sculpture. I think the quote really represents Quaker beliefs, which is why I used it as my inspiration. My idea came from Quakerism and how respectful the Quakers are to other religions as well as their own.

I enjoy being artistic and creative and I thought it would be easiest to express my ideas using materials I love and work with on a daily basis. I also think I have some background skill in working with clay, and I wanted this sculpture to look special and important. I knew I would have a lot of fun as well as resembling and honoring peace in the Quaker community and religion. The prompt sounded interesting, and though it took some work, I am proud of the creation that formed from it.

A Hope for Peace

Joyce Okoye, Grade 8, Friends Academy of Westampton

In my perspective, the rose indicates peace. The hand is the person striving for peace. However, since peace is hard to come by, it can hurt because of the thorns that accompany it. I was inspired to draw it by all the different events going on in the world today. I am also inspired by people who want peace, knowing it is extremely difficult to achieve. This picture means a lot to me, mostly because of the petals. The petals are referring to the good things that happen with peace. In my opinion, it is the most important part to achieving peace. An example of peace is Gandhi’s Salt March in 1930. Instead of using violence, Gandhi decided to walk. Even though he was sent to jail, Gandhi gave the attention he needed to make the protest a success. The petals are India’s independence and the thorns are him being sent to jail.

Inspiring Peace

Leyla Urushanova, Grade 12, Tandem Friends School

Leyla Urushanova is originally from Russia, where she experienced a lot of violence and discrimination. For this reason, she was inspired to create an art piece that inspires peace among everyone.

Lasting Impression

Jerica Xu, Grade 9, Wilmington Friends School

In this “juxtaposition photomontage,” I incorporated many global issues throughout the world. Through this juxtaposition I convey messages about “war vs. peace,” “rich vs. poor,” and “conflict vs. justice.” Having such contrasting concepts and images pictured right next to each other amplifies the distinction and difference between the two groups. Think about the loads of money that are used on war while children are dying from hunger around the world. Over conflict, countries can spend billions of money that can eventually lead to millions of deaths. Using that money toward those in need can save more lives and create better living situations for them. My photomontage is meant to remind everyone that behind the conflict and chaos that snatches everyone’s attention are people who are suffering and in need of life’s basics. I hope this issue becomes more apparent to the world and that my photomontage leaves a lasting impression.

Jerica Xu was born in Indiana, but grew up in Shanghai, China. She moved to Wilmington, Del., a few years ago due to her father’s job. She loves painting, and hopes to share her ideas with the world through art.