Ever since she was a child, senior Jacqueline Thayer has loved building and crafting with whatever she could find around her house. This early passion for designing eventually blossomed into her interest in architecture. “In my elementary and middle school art classes, I was always curious [about] what we would be doing next and was always eager to learn how to use new materials,” Thayer explained.
Thayer’s love for art was also inspired by her grandmother. “My grandma, Anna Matathias, an artist, has been my biggest inspiration and supporter in my art journey,” Thayer shared. “After realizing I had a passion for art, I would spend more and more time at her house and make many art pieces while she taught me everything she knew.”
For Thayer, art is more than just a hobby–it serves as a much-needed stress reliever, especially during the busy school year. “The second I put on my music and begin painting [or drawing], I am in a whole different world,” she said. The satisfaction of completing a piece is one of her favorite parts of the process: “The greatest feeling after finishing a piece is backing up, taking in my new creation, and feeling complete.” Among the many artistic mediums she has explored, acrylic paint remains her favorite. She loves how easily it blends and enjoys experimenting with its versatility.
Throughout her time at LHS, Thayer has taken a variety of art classes, including Drawing and Painting, Digital Design, Drawing and Painting 2, and currently, Portfolio Prep. “My favorite class has been Portfolio Prep since I have the freedom to make any type of piece I want with any type of medium. I hope to try even more mediums later in the year,” she commented.
Art teacher Tom Sena praised Thayer’s artistic growth over the past four years. “Jackie has always shown an incredible amount of dedication and commitment to her pursuit of visual art,” he noted. “As she has progressed each year through the different art classes here at LHS, she has become more of a risk-taker and each year has continued to challenge herself and push her capabilities, all with amazing results.” Fellow art student and senior Ana Juarez added, “[Thayer’s] attention to detail and creativity showcase her artistic abilities. I can easily spot her artwork in a room full of art. She demonstrates the basic skills of art and uses them to make beautiful pieces.”
Thayer finds inspiration for her work through social media, particularly TikTok, as well as her own real-life experiences. “When I see a unique piece online that piques my interest, I try [to] use it as inspiration to make something portraying one of my own interests,” she explained. She also incorporates her personal memories into her work: “When I create new core memories, I try [to] create a piece that replicates the feeling I had in the moment.” One example of this stemmed from a family trip to Hawaii. “I recently made a large piece of my brother and I dancing on the beach that took me six weeks to make. Finishing that piece was one of the most satisfying feelings I have ever had. I was so proud and excited to show my family, especially my brother, the finished piece,” Thayer shared.
Thayer’s impact within the LHS artistic community extends beyond her individual work. She has been a member of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) for the past two years. “I love participating in [NAHS] since I can use my ability to make art to better the community through the various fundraisers,” she expressed.
For younger students pursuing art, Thayer emphasized the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. “My advice [is] to go out of your comfort zone, no matter how scary trying something new may feel,” she encouraged. “It is vital in finding where your groove is in art.”
In the upcoming fall, Thayer will be attending the University of Miami to pursue her dream career in architecture. “I am excited to continue building my skills in art in more complex classes,” she shared. Sena also expressed his confidence in her future success: “Jackie has a fantastic ability to visualize a concept first mentally, and then physically execute it, which she’ll need in her pursuit of a degree in architecture next year when she begins studies at the University of Miami in Florida on scholarship. I am very proud of her and wish her well.”
