Alyssa is a 11th grader who contacted me last year to ask if I'd mentor her on her travel journal project for school. In this journal, Alyssa documented her trip to Africa. I was thrilled to work with this insightful and talented young woman. Today, she shares some of her art and thoughts. Here's Alyssa
Found at the Beach
All the items on this spead were either bought or found while I was at the beach, or remind me of the beach. The colors in the spread represent the sand, and the image on both sides that says "Cherries" is a local fruit stand.
What is Africa?
This spread to me represents the difference between tourist Africa and "real" Africa. As a tourist, all you see is t he the wealth of Africa; Cape Town is a luxurious city quite comparable to San Francisco. When you travel outside the city, you begin to see "real" Africa with the poor villages and the animals.
Faces of Africa
I created these pages using a picture I took in an African village that I produced multiple times and layered. The children jump out at you from the page, and this is exactly how I felt while visiting the village. All the kids run up to you, eager to learn about you.
Alyssa has been inspired by Sabrina Ward Harrison, Dan Eldon amongst others. Her graphic visual style captivated me from the first. Alyssa's thoughtful insights are inspiring. She's sees to the heart of the thing.
It was fun to watch her thoughtful use of technique. I enjoy the graphic quality of her artwork and her composition is always so strong! All of this strengthens her message.
It's always such a revelation to see through young people's eyes. Thanks Alyssa!
Enjoy your 4th of July weekend, friends.
