A definite design: Taggatz & art

Art: a noun meaning to express or apply human creative skill and application, typically in a visual form.

For the majority of students at LHS, creating visual art is not something that is pursued as a hobby because of the immense talent that it requires, but rather a task that students complete solely during their required art class. Senior Elaine Taggatz is certainly a minority in this situation. Not only does Taggatz create art in her free time, but she has completed five art classes at LHS, and is currently enrolled in AP studio art.

Taggatz has been creating art for as long as she can remember but has come to the realization that art is not something that has to be perfect, which has increased her engagement tremendously.

“I suppose I’ve always been making art,” said Taggatz. “When I was younger I really felt like everything had to be perfect, so I spent less time on art because I didn’t want to make mistakes, but now I’ve come to a point where I’m far more open to experimentation, and I’m creating a lot more.”

Creating an amazing piece of art takes great focus and patience, two skills that Taggatz has mastered.   

“My favorite thing [about art] is just getting into the zone while painting,” said Taggatz. “ I love getting better and the actual feeling of creating something is really rewarding.”

After creating so many pieces of artwork, Taggatz has come to favor the projects that she is very invested in, along with the pieces that she adds an extra experimental touch to.

“My favorite projects are the ones where I just sit down and work on until I’m done and that usually takes a day or two,” said Taggatz. “I really like to set out and finish things. I’ve started experiencing with combining tactile art with various photoshop effects and those details usually happen later.”

Taggatz intends to expand her interest in art beyond high school and is planning on attending art school for animation or illustration. Considering her tremendous talent that is showcased to the left, she will be sure to succeed.