Lick-Wilmerding’s art scene is a diverse makeup of individuals exploring their voices through style and media. Some students work alone while others gather inspiration from peers, forming small dynamic communities to stimulate creative growth.
LWHS lacks an annual art show, so in order to see what students are creating, one must take initiative by browsing Instagram accounts or the walls inside and outside art classrooms. This absence opens an opportunity to start a conversation about student art and the pursuit of one’s creative vision.
Charlotte Baszucki ’22 and Luke Jasso ’22 are two artists at LWHS with inspired and strong voices.
Baszucki describes her art as chaotic, colorful and angsty. Since middle school experimentation in digital art and detailed pen work, she has found her stride within abstract pieces and black and white figures. As a high schooler, she expanded her creative repertoire by taking multiple art classes at school. “That’s when my work got more serious,” she said.
Baszucki’s Instagram (@charlottedoesart) showcases a range of media: she uses paint, pen, charcoal and graphite and digital art.
Baszucki creates art during socially or emotionally pressing moments, depicting “people I’m mad at, or who have caused me sadness.” Many pieces show literal representations of her experiences. Concomitantly, some are more figurative or interpretative — these are esoteric and more abstract. By combining these two styles, Baszucki juxtaposes bold and enigmatic color with intricate penwork and shading of the human body.
Her work captures the feeling of internal conflict with oneself or with others: the chaotic and poignant nature of human emotion. She said, “When it’s difficult to synthesize my emotions, art helps me get at the heart of the conflict or what the core emotion was. It’s nice to concentrate on that emotion and put what I’m feeling into a specific piece, in order to let it go.”
One mixed media piece represents Baszucki’s style of focusing on both technique and expression. “I like to have one part that’s a really detailed portrait, and do whatever with the background,” said Baszuki.
The painting represents an “ex-best friend, who took so much out of me. I put myself into our friendship and didn’t get a lot back. I used oil paint and a pen at the same time.” She transfers not only the literal aspect of this severed friendship, but the figurative piece of losing herself in the process — shown in the amorphous manipulation of her face.
Her charcoal and graphite sketches are not flashy but are powerful in their simplicity. These sketches are not edited or curated, rather intimate and vulnerable: raw reflections of human life. Her self portraits also show vulnerability, showcasing Bazucki’s articulate self-reflection and exploration of psychological realism, in the form of visual art.
Baszucki has found a place for herself within the LWHS art community where she feels comfortable to create. She will be sending her portfolio as part of her college application and hopes to continue her exploration of art during college.
Luke Jasso has also found his footing as a LWHS artist, though in a different setting. He posts on an art-centric Instagram account (@luke_jasso_art) and has shared various oil paintings and dance choreography.
Jasso did not join LWHS’ painting classes but has used paint as a medium in art classes for about ten years, outside of school. “That’s how I developed my skills, but I’ve always loved art,” he said.
Jasso spent his childhood immersed in art: he recalls finger painting on his parents’ carpet, spilling materials everywhere. Both Jasso’s grandmother and mother led tours at the SFMOMA.
It was there that Jasso discovered German visual artist Gerhard Richter’s portraiture. Jasso also takes inspiration from post modernist painter Sam McKinniss’ robust color choices.
Jasso’s exposure to various art practices and creative people has helped him truly shape his voice as an artist — he has created a flowy and emotive narrative.
Jasso’s voice has also developed through dance. He has found space for this through LWHS’ Performing Arts Program. He first pursued dance at an art-focused elementary and middle school.
As a dancer, Jasso initially explored expression through the human figure. He now embodies that in his paintings. “I’ve been focused on oil painting for a few years, specifically figure paintings and portraiture. I feel more engaged and connected when painting figures, because it’s so real and human,” he said.
Oil painting by Luke Jasso
One of Jasso’s paintings was referenced from a frame in “Greenlight,” Lorde’s music video. “She’s sticking her head out of the window in the middle of the night. The wind is blowing through her hair, ” he said. The painting, titled “Nirvana”, is a representation of freedom bottled into one fleeting moment.
Lorde’s lyrics and interpretative movement in the video inspired Jasso’s painting. Jasso observes and participates in this intersection of art forms, which influence his work. “I think there is overlap between painting and movement, especially in terms of the flow, ” he said.
He focuses on expression through both media, yet his approaches towards paint and dance differ. “I spend a really long time on paintings, whereas in dance, sometimes I’ll choreograph a piece in a few hours, and it’ll just be what it is, ” Jasso said, “My paintings are more technique focused, whereas dance — I’m a little more free and showing raw emotion.”
Jasso’s life revolves around the arts. “I’m applying to art programs (for colleges). Art is a big part of my college application, more so than anything else.”
To encapsulate his goal as an artist, Jasso quoted Alonzo King, founder of LINES Ballet Company, “Dance can be perceived by intellect, but it’s aim is to go into the heart.” Jasso said, that is “What I strive to do with all of the artwork I create. Whether that’s using color to convey emotion (a big thing), I want to impact people on a level that goes beyond consciousness.”
