Artist in the Spotlight

In an age of technology computers are the source for everything, even art. AHS offers classes that intertwine a student’s passion for art and the increasing use of computers in electives such as Computer Graphics. Senior Tahgrid Najdi is currently enrolled in a Computer Graphics class. This is Taghrid’s first year taking a Computer Graphics class. “For only having been in the class for five months Taghrid has developed brilliant technical skills for a new student,” said Najdi’s Computer Graphics teacher, Ann Harper.

    Surrounded by fellow classmates, computers and other technical equipment Najdi must gather her thoughts before beginning the process of turning her ideas into masterpieces on the computer.

    Creating graphics on a computer is much harder than most people think. There are a lot of preliminary non computer related steps that go into creating the graphics like researching and planning. All ideas from the students must be original and personal. Once the idea is formed, the students capture their ideas in a photo. Finally they take the photos to the computer to be enhanced and that is where the magic happens. The computer manipulates the photo and enhances it by adding dimensions and depth. “We usually use Adobe Photoshop to create projects with the pictures we take,” said Najdi.

     Computer Graphics takes art to another level. This type of art places more emphasis on an artist’s mind rather than on the artist’s hand. Computer Graphics allows students to focus on creativity while letting the computer take over the technical aspects of the design. “Artists in 2008 need computers. It’s just like breathing, you need it,” said Harper.

    Najdi has always liked art and enjoys drawing and taking pictures, so deciding to take this elective was easy. “I wanted to learn the skills for designing art on the computer and I was interested in Photoshop,” said Najdi.

    So far this school year Computer Graphics students have created self portraits, practiced filter alterations, and designed magazine covers. Currently they are working on a cover design for the AHS planner of 2008-2009.

    “Taghrid’s artwork is very professional, especially her magazine cover. She has a good eye for composition. She is well disciplined and works hard to meet deadline,” said Harper enthusiastically.

    Tahgrid’s magazine cover displayed the issue of plastic surgery. Her inspiration comes from everyday life and her thoughts about the future. “The media makes people want to have the perfect body and be prettier, but I think its wrong,” said Najdi. She hopes from her computer graphic that she can make people think twice about the media’s influence on them and hopefully produce change.

    As for Nadji’s future plans she says, “I really like art, but I don’t know if it’s something I would do professionally. Right now it’s just a hobby.”
    Art still plays an important role in Najdi’s life. “I think art is unique. There are many different forms of art. When you set your mind to it, art can be whatever you want it to be,” said Najdi.