Be Fearless

For my art project I chose the word fearless. I chose to paint a skier hitting a jump to represent fearlessness because, just like skiing, being fearless requires commitment and going through with what you set out to do. I feel that often people fear things because they have never done them before, even if they are capable. People should follow their dreams and face their fears.

Liam, Grade 9

Be Active

For my artwork, I chose the title, "Be Active".  I painted a  man crossing the finish line after a race.  Being active is important because a lot of people these days aren't very active and do not include very much, or any, physical activity in their daily lives. This can make people feel tired and lazy.  When people are active they can feel positive and energized.  This is why everybody should try to be active as much as possible.

Alex, Grade 9

Be Empowered

The word empowered can mean a lot; whether you're empowered as one, or empowered as all. To be empowered means to have power; to make things happen for good and sometimes even bad. In my mind, to be empowered is to make something big and good happen. My picture describes being empowered by voting for a president who promises to change the bad things and make everything better, such as clean cities. Although being empowered can be taken the wrong way, I believe we can do good with it. 

-Danya, Grade 10

Be Confident

My artwork shows a guy posing in front of a sun set on a hill. He doesn't have too big of muscles, but his shadow is showing very big muscles. This is meaning he has confidence in who he is. All that confidence takes is accepting who you are. Confidence is a big part in life and needed for many things. It takes confidence to get a job, to stand in front of a crowd, it takes confidence to get through troubles in life. With confidence people have a much greater chance of doing amazing things.

Kelsey L. Grade 9

Be Colourful

I chose the word colourful for this painting. I think being colourful is a good quality to have. Being colourful doesn't necessarily mean wearing bright clothes, or extravagant makeup.  To me, it means being friendly, cheerful and inviting toward others;  being happy overall. Choosing to be happy puts yourself in a good mood, and that can lift the moods of others around you. I chose the colours red, green, blue, and yellow because they are cheerful colours. They are different enough from each other, that against one another they stand out and don't blend together creating one dimensional colour. The woman's makeup adds interest to her face and makes her appear more colourful. The ink details emphasize the image making it look overall more interesting; much like people with colourful personalities.

Jane, Grade 9

Be Creative

In my artwork, I showed representations of creativity. Creativity is used for many different things, from the plays we watch, to the things we invent. Creativity also has an effect on people's lives. If it wasn't for singing and songwriting, Justin Bieber wouldn't be the person he is today. Also we wouldn't have the variety of clothes we have, because designers use their creativity to come up with designs.  People are all interested in various types of creativity.  Some of the creative activities I incorporated into my art include: dance, guitar, drama, photography, piano, and painting. Creativity can help people in many ways; by doing something you love, you will not be tempted to do bad things. By adding creativity to our lifestyle,  people will be happy at the end of the day because they will have done something they love. Creativity has a big effect on our lives - that's why we love it!

Bonnie, Grade 9

Be Brave

My painting represents how we as a community have to stand up and be brave against what we fear the most. In my artwork, the monster represents pollution and how it can take over and wipe fear into people's lives. Essentially, the monster could mean anything, from fearing big things like power, or a small fear like a bully at school.  I wanted my painting to let people know that it's OK to be afraid, but you can't let it run your life and get you down. You've got to stay strong, and be brave.

Maddie, Grade 9

Be Strong

This painting is about people coming together as one, to stand strong against forces that are trying to over-power society.  The large symbol in the background is the symbol of a group which supposedly controls all of the world's affairs and ultimately tries to control the people. This leading to a new world order. I feel that this is not a good thing because we will have no more privileges, or be able to do things we like, and all we would be able to do would be to follow commands. This drawing represents that we can stand strong against forces bigger than us.

Jonah, Grade 10

Be Honourable

My word is Honourable. I chose this word because to be honoured is to be respected. Many people don't get the honour or respect that they deserve and others get honour and respect that they have not earned. In the painting itself, the battle worn soldier lays his hand on the statue of a great king's sword; getting ranked/dubbed as a more honourable knight. To be honoured and to show honour is important because everyone deserves some honour to a certain degree. The lack of honour and honourable behaviour in the world is too great, and it should change.


Dean, Grade 10

The Animals Only Voice

A group of young art students were surprised to discover that British Columbia does not have endangered species legislation! Proudly claiming the title of, "Beautiful BC" and, "The Best Place on Earth," it seems ironic that British Columbia is failing to protect the over 1600 species at risk! From the grizzly bears to the great blue herons to the rattle snakes; BC is the most biologically diverse province in the country. These artworks represent the students initiative to take action; to recognize the species that make British Columbia so diverse.

The compelling artworks bring attention to both the beauty and the plight of many vulnerable animals in BC.  To make their images authentic, the students researched their animals on the internet.  They found information on habitat, behaviours, threatened ecosystems, and population declines.  The students looked at the problems facing these animals and considered some possible solutions. 

After gathering the necessary information, students needed to compose their images to convey this information; to grab the  viewers attention and force them to think. Some artists included words or symbols to strengthen their message, while others considered colour combinations and  watercolour techniques to further enhance their images. The result is a richly varied impression of some of the beautiful species currently endangered or at risk in British Columbia.

We hope these paintings speak to you.
"We are the animals only voice!"
 

Their Lives Are In Our Hands

For my painting I have chosen to do a Canada Warbler. Warblers live in secondary growth forest, in swamps, or high elevation alpine forests. Due to the loss of habitat they have recently been assessed as threatened. In my painting I have shown the Warbler in the hands of a human being to show that their lives are in our hands and it is our job to protect and make sure that they have suitable habitat to live in.

Megan, Grade 9