As her eyes survey the blank canvas, sophomore Hannah Stern instantly visualizes a multitude of abstract designs that could fill the white surface. With the stroke of a paintbrush, vibrant colors allow Stern to transform her vision into reality.

“When I am feeling sad, painting is something that makes me feel at peace,” said Stern. “It levels my head, organizes my thoughts and keeps me from going completely crazy.”

After Stern’s mother signed her up for art classes with an artist named Clara Berta, Stern’s unique talent for painting quickly revealed itself.  Her hobby soon progressed into a passion that provides her with fulfillment. Today, Stern continues to paint with the same dedicated fervor she began with and receives unconditional support from both her family and friends. Not only has art given more meaning to Stern’s life, but it has also introduced her to a new side of herself that she never knew existed.

“When I paint something, I do not try to make it sad or happy, I just try to give it depth,” said Stern. “My goal is to inspire something in those who see my work; how they interpret it is completely up to them—that is the beauty of art.”

The defining factor in much of Stern’s work is creative and profound simplicity.  She paints what she likes without restrictions, and she abides mainly by the flow of her intuition. For each painting, she uses acrylic paints and about anything else she can get her hands on, including magazine clippings or even pieces of wood.  To become inspired, Stern looks to other artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Robert Rauschenberg.  She appreciates Basquiat’s freedom and messy style and Raushenberg’s diverse creativity and depth. Moreover, she works to incorporate individuality into her abstract pieces, two of which are shown (above and right).

“I love to see other people’s art and I love when people are exposed to mine,” said Stern.  “I think it is amazing that someone can go home and think about how my art made them feel and remember my name in the process.”

Each of Stern’s paintings is a reflection of her true self, and her masterpieces will forever remain an embodiment of her deepest thoughts and emotions.