SCHOOLS is definitely the most abstract piece i worked on this year. it’s also the first, and it’s also the one that sparked the idea for one of my college essays. ultimately, my aim was to capture a very broad, general theme in a way that felt true to my lived experience. i grew up swimming, surfing, and shelling on an island along the treasure coast, and i really resonated with the image of the little fish that would dance and curve around my ankles as i waded in. they sometimes seem to move as one object, slithering through the tide, worshipping the current without resisting. some of us aren’t as adept at following along, though. schools of fish, in a metaphorical sense, aren’t much unlike those of children, people, and thought. it isn’t in question that this act of rebellion, whether intentional or not, requires more energy than simply letting the momentum of others carry you. however, in my experience, thinking differently can often prove to be an advantage. it’s absolutely isolating, yes, but it does provide me with insight, revelations, and abilities not available to many others. even on the rough days, i’m not sure i’d trade it for an easier path. i think that schools sets a good foundation for the rest of my portfolio. it introduces one of the broad themes that I later touch on, and if you’re paying attention, you might notice some repeating motifs throughout the pieces. see you soon! — CREDITS art: me materials used: acrylic paint (an outlier in itself, as this is the only physical media i used in this portfolio; i hoped this would strengthen the theme in a meta sense) music: maine by noah kahan (which ive now seen LIVE by the way #greatdividetour2026 haha..haha..haha… i miss it.) college board: giving me a… 4. code:
