Natalie Graf

Artist's Statement:
At Ellis, I have been encouraged to grow as a person, especially within the arts. I remember when I transferred (during my sophomore year) my parents and I loved the idea of a high school with a fine arts building. My artwork became a reflection of my life choices and aspects of my journey to and from school.
In our lives, we are given numerous opportunities, with options and decisions that accompany them. Our selections—with the guidance of friends, family, mentors, and coaches—define who we become. This leads to the question; how do our decisions impact the paths we follow and the lives we live? My artworks re-create paths I have taken throughout my life which have helped to define me as a person. With a simple refocus, one can get an angle of someone else’s perspective and create a new story. These elements design the chapters of my life from daily tasks (such as participating in sports ie. basketball) to the unforeseeable future. Specifically, in one of my projects, using various materials and procedures, I documented my daily trip to The Ellis School from my house, along with the return. Overall, my works have been heavily influenced by life and experiences.
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