Introducing the 2021 ‘Create from the HeART’ contest winners. 

Three exceptional student artists share a bit about their life and work. 

Meet 8th grade Skanda, from India.

Where do you live, and what is your favorite part about living there?

I currently live in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Chennai generally has a tropical climate and has many ancient temples and historical sites.

Even after you think that you may have seen a great deal of the city and after visiting many places, you will still hear about new places and attractions in and around the city. I think that is the most favorite part of living in Chennai. There is always something to look for, explore and something new to see and do here. There are several museums, art galleries, and places of interest for all age groups.

Marundeshwara Temple, closeby to our house

Marina beach, a popular tourist attraction in Chennai

What is one interesting fact about you?

I draw and sketch a lot! This has kept me occupied during the pandemic and helped me to develop my creative side.

What makes you happy? Why? 

Good food and being with friends and family. Well, because they are always there for you and during difficult times, they bring a smile on my face.

Where do you create your art (for example, at school, at home, at a community center, etc.) and why is creating art important to you?
I would just start drawing, doodling, sketching regardless of where I am and at anytime I have a pen, paper handy and time to spare from schooling and other daily chores. This is something I have developed right from a very young age. At this point in time, creating art has become a natural instinct for me and an important medium to share and express my feelings and thoughts. I would like to nurture this creative side of mine even moving forward and I enjoy doing it. 🙂

Winning Artwork:

Gary the gorilla that makes you laugh

During these tough times people are finding less and less reasons to smile and laugh something on. And that’s when Gary steps in he uses his tricks and jokes whatever which can make people giggly and lighten people’s mood a bit. And you may always have a superhero with his typical powers. But the real superheroes are the ones who stay there for you and possibly make you laugh a bit! I used to see a lot of circus-themed movies and shows so I kinda got some inspiration from there to use a gorilla as the subject and overall I had fun while making it. 🙂“ Project used: Superheroes

What would you like people to know about ‘Gary Gorilla’, the artwork that won this contest?

I would love to hear comments and interpretations of people after seeing the picture of Gary rather than me saying something about it. I think it would be fun if we have animal friends like Gary around us and not in the wild or in the zoo.

What part of your artwork are you most proud of? Why?

My artwork, Gary, the Gorilla, is funny and cute and that’s something I am proud of, especially his eyes! and sometimes it amuses me too. Plus, I like the way it finally turned out to be. It is very different from the normal drawings/pictures of animals that I have drawn and seen.

 

Meet 4th grade Daphne, from California.

Where do you live, and what is your favorite part about living there?

I live in California. I like the good weather and being around lots of different types of nature.

What is one interesting fact about you?

I’ve written three novels and I’m working on my fourth.

What makes you happy? Why? 

My cat makes me happy because she likes to snuggle and get pets. I also like to read because it is interesting to hear lots of different stories.

Where do you create your art (for example, at school, at home, at a community center, etc.) and why is creating art important to you?

I create my art at home. Art is fun and relaxing, and I like to be creative.

Winning Artwork:

Sneaky Criminal Raccoon

“I made a raccoon who got up onto the roof. Because he’s a sneaky criminal, he made holes in the roof, stole fruit from their trees, half ate some, then splattered it on the side, high up, and hard to reach.” Project used: Anthropomorphic Animals

What would you like people to know about ‘Sneaky Criminal Raccoon’, the artwork that won this contest?

It was inspired by the raccoons that destroy our lawn looking for grubs.

What part of your artwork are you most proud of? Why?

The raccoon. I like how he looks and his glowing eyes that show he’s out at night.

 

Meet 4th grade Ella, from Canada.

Where do you live, and what is your favorite part about living there?

I live in Beaumont, Alberta, Canada. I love living here because we can take road trips to the Rocky Mountains!

What is one interesting fact about you?

I am a Gender Creative person. My pronouns are she/her. I usually have very cool short hair and I love to wear anything sports, Lego or nature related.

What makes you happy? Why? 

Creating things with art (like crafts) and especially with Lego. It makes me calm and relaxed. I love being able to make something that was only in my imagination become real. Also, my mom.

Where do you create your art (for example, at school, at home, at a community center, etc.) and why is creating art important to you?

I create my masterpieces at home either during lessons at Homeschool or with my sister Juliet who also loves art. Art is important to me because it lets me focus on something other than what might be bothering me. It’s like an escape from the world. I feel relaxed, positive and focused when I can disappear into my own world.

Winning Artwork:

Pitesila the Superhero

I made this artwork for the Superheroes project as part of a comic book I created. I made it by blending tons of watercolour paint colours together. In some spots I only used 1 color, waited for it to dry and then added a new color on top. I wanted there to be more female superheroes so I made Pitesila look like a Marvel character. Her superpower is controlling time. You can see there are 2 clocks on each side of her and a time portal behind her. I didn’t want my superhero to look like a pretty princess so I gave her a mohawk and big muscles.” Project used: Superheroes

What would you like people to know about ‘Pitesila the Superhero’, the artwork that won this contest?

This is my favorite art project from this year because it reminds me of myself. I’ve always wanted to be a superhero and be able to fly around the world like a bird. I also love seeing a strong female superhero that looks more like me.

What part of your artwork are you most proud of? Why?

Probably the body pose of Pitesila. I was inspired by Spiderman. It turned out better than I thought it would. I don’t usually do art with bodies very well so this really made me proud.

 

P.S. Attend our Holiday Printmaking Workshop on Sunday, December 19 at 5 pm Eastern! During this workshop, you’ll get to:

  • Create your own monoprint using a fun and simple printmaking technique
  • See our international contest winners introduce themselves and their artworks
  • Discover and consider playing a part in the Doodles Academy mission

This workshop is for all ages–so you can join alone or with children, a partner, family members, or friends.

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