Let us Pray
Height: 8" x Width: 12" | Material(s): Nikon D5200, 50mm, Edited in Lightroom, 3 Models, Church, Background people. | Process(es): This candid photo show the connection of the three models through silhouette and contrast. | Idea(s): By removing the color, we get a timeless quality in B&W and this heightens the capturing of emotions such as love, connection, gratitude and joy. | Curatorial Note: This beautiful photograph invites us into a deeply intimate familial moment. The relationship between family, community and belief is unified with the black and white quality of the photograph which also makes it feel timeless. Incredible and powerful work.
Michelle Gallardo
AP 2-D
Bonita Vista High School
Chula Vista, CA, USA
Accepted and plan to attend California State University, San Marcos, California
Student statement
Student statement
Does your work reference or draw on a contemporary or historical art-making style, practice, or tradition? If so, please explain.
Mainly my work is documentary and candid photo, which shows life at its fullest and captured raw.
What did you do to improve your 2-D, 3-D, or Drawing portfolio skills?
I improved a lot with consistency. My teacher Mr. Lim, required at least a photo every day for his class, and that really helped me with being regular with my pieces. Also I learned a lot of new techniques like chiaroscuro and still life.
How can black and white Photography explore emotion? That exact question is one I ask myself when I look at my art, needing to come up with a single question that congruent but that represents me was not really that hard. Black and white was my dad signature style when he worked in photography and I have been enticed by the depth it gave to the photos.
Describe the critique practices and feedback you received in AP Art and Design.
Mr. Lim was very honest about which art pieces he though was our best and what we could do to improve them. I appreciate that kind of feedback where we can learn with the process and not just scrap the idea; he gave us options and solutions.
In what ways did your art-making confidence increase in AP Art and Design?
I became someone who was proud of their work. Before I thought I just has the right tools, but later in the year I noticed how people reacted to my photos and understood then that I did have a gift for something that not only makes me happy but also brings other people joy.
How did you modify or revise your art-making direction based on feedback?
I tried to take the feedback exactly how it was said. I maybe redid the photo or edited it in a different style, but I always tried to make my piece better. There is always room for more growth in anything that we do.
How did your classmates help you in the creative process?
We sometimes did group photo shoots, but I mostly stayed to myself. I wasn't a very big social butterfly in my class. Most of my work was individual and thought out by me. If I did get help, it was mostly through my mom or Mr. Lim helping me with their opinions and ideas.
Did you participate in art shows at your school or in your community?
I’ve been lucky to be in many art exhibitions and award shows. Everyone is so encouraging and kind when looking at one’s art. I have had much positive feedback by not only community members but by the hosts of said showcases. I am eternally grateful to anyone who complimented my art. It really is a great feeling when people acknowledge something you worked hard on. Many parents talked to me about my art pieces and asked many questions. It has been a great experience to be in these.
Do you show your work through social media? If so, did you use feedback from social media account(s) to help you make decisions about your artwork?
We had to make an Instagram account for my art class on which a photo was posted every day. I also have my own photography Instagram page where I do collages of photo shoots I have had. I’ve booked many people and done paid photo sessions, so I believe social media exposure has helped me in a positive way.
Edwin Lim
Bonita Vista High School, San Diego, CA
Teacher statement
Teacher statement
What are you most proud of regarding your school’s AP Art and Design program?
To get enough AP 2D Art students, I teach it as a combo with CTE Beg. Digital Photography. I'm proud that my AP program can preach the gospel of art to 30 to40 students each year. While most of my students do not strive to be full-time artists, they've learned to appreciate, understand, and explore their artistic sides, and they've won awards in photography, digital art, drawing, painting, video/film/animation, and mixed media.
What do you do to support visual arts programming in your school?
I get as much training and ideas as I can. I'm an AP reader for the AP Art Exams. I've attended the equally awesome Art21 Educators training on Contemporary Art. I'm a member of several Facebook AP Art teacher groups. And I'm a proud member of the CA Art Educators Association/NAEA. I seek out free thinkers and "outside-the-box" teachers to inquire how they run their AP Art programs and incorporate their ideas into my classes.
What is your advice to other AP Art and Design teachers on how to support an AP Art and Design program?
My teenage niece died of cancer. She had a gift of art, and I didn’t get a chance to connect her as much as I should’ve. To honor her life, I teach my students this mantra: “Not tomorrow. Today.” Start small such as a combo AP Art class with another regular art class. Then use social media like the school’s ASB Instagram account to highlight your students’ artwork and awards. Then the students will come. Not tomorrow. Today.
Michelle Gallardo
