Christian Varela

My work centers around the beauty of being human. I wanted to explore this idea of our human existence and express it through different materials to match how unique and complex we all are. I explore emotions, experiences, and the physical and biological aspects of being human. Using different materials like reed, yarn, wire, and paper, I continuously experimented with how to communicate what it means to be human. While trying to bring more of an abstract understanding and challenging our sense of being human, I was always practicing, experimenting, and revisiting my ideas to create more meaningful and engaging work. Ultimately, I aimed to inspire others to see themselves in a new and meaningful way. By expressing the unique and complex nature of human existence through art, I try to appreciate the beauty and value of our own lives.

Christian took risks at every step and would continue despite the many obstacles presented, working on a large scale, applying accurate figure proportions rendered through tenuous materials, and then resolving installation and exhibition issues. He addressed every painstaking detail through unwavering self-discipline, peer and mentor discourse, and countless work hours. Christian’s motivation to create is remarkable and inspiring. I spotted his talent almost immediately, and he was fast-tracked into the Advanced Placement Art and Design program from an introductory class in his last year of high school. His grand ideas often started at home in his basement after taking home materials from my supply room and evolved into larger-than-life installations in our Art Hallway, where one of his pieces remains. We collaborated on documentation, materials, and solutions for suspending forms from the ceiling daily as he popped in and out of the department between classes, lunch, before and after school. His installation will remain on display and be celebrated in our department for years.

As a teaching artist, I work daily to empower children to identify as artists, reaching out to all identities and capacities regardless of experience. For this reason, we open the door to budding artists and foster growth alongside seasoned upperclassmen in our program. I thrive on guiding students to explore, process, and express their place in this world and help build their curiosity and understanding of our visual culture with autobiographical artwork, on-site trips, and guest speakers from the plethora of cultural institutions around town and the world through self-guided research and constant dialogue. Together, we manifest what matters to them into a great original artwork. My classes learn how to apply talent after high school, taking ownership of the idea from first-hand experiences with individual designers and creative mentors to consult. We show work annually at our local art center in a professional gallery, a collaboration that has led to internships and employment through networking in the community. Critiques, competitions, school art shows, and creating work to sell for charity cultivate a comprehensive picture of how to be an engaged artist and activist in practice. We try to help our young artists thrive professionally and personally by learning to apply creative problem-solving, community, confidence, and perseverance in the art studio and their other life adventures.