Senior Artist Shares Her Skills

One of the hallmarks of a Parker education is the close collaboration that exists between teachers and learners. After working with senior Maddy Leja in an Upper School art class, Art Department Co-Chair Kay Silva knew that this self-taught digital artist would be an ideal guest to speak to her Middle School students about her artwork and process.

 

The in-class sharing consisted of a short, three-slide presentation, after which she fielded a range of questions from students about the specific programs she used and her sources of inspiration. The class concluded with students sharing their work with the visiting artist for tips and advice. Leja even received emails from students after the experience, sharing more of their work and expressing gratitude.

 

Leja commented, “I hope that my visit to the MS class encouraged some of the students to pursue the arts both in school and out of school. When I was younger, I was not confident in my art. I had few people complimenting my works and telling me to continue working hard on my art. I still struggle with a lack of artistic confidence to this day. I hope I was a role model to the MS students and gave them a boost in artistic confidence. Art takes so much time and practice that it often feels like you aren’t improving, but rest assured, you are.”

 

View Leja’s digital portfolio here.

View videos of Leja speaking to her work and process here and here.

 

Following this in-class experience, Parker’s Communications Office reached out to Leja to learn more about her work. Click here for more.