Senior Matthew Villamayor Showcases Passions Through Art

Senior Matthew Villamayor created a snowglobe for a couple in California. Villamayor felt a bit worried but proud at the outcome since it was his first creation to leave his possession. “My art always has a little bit of my life in them. They represent my feelings or even my experiences,” said Villamayor.

What do you do when it comes to art?

“I am pretty much a jack-of-all-trades. I specialize in both 2-D and 3-D art. I can draw, paint, sculpt, cast, etc. Most of my art is mixed media, using different materials. I also like to repurposed items to make new art.”

What drew you into art? What makes you invested in art?

“I’ve always loved art as a kid. I’ve been exposed to it in school and at home, so I always had a chance to make something. Art gives me a chance to do whatever I want and be creative, unlike other subjects where there are rules or correct answers. Besides, art is very fun in general.”

What is your most current or recent project?

“I have a lot of work in progress – sketches for my art class at the moment – but the most recent piece of art I finished was a snow globe. I took a basic snow globe, added more detail, and personalized it for a loving couple. It now has a miniature scene of their trip to Japan.”

In what ways has Covid-19 impacted your creativity and mindset?

“For starters, it has gotten more difficult to get my hands on new materials, so I had to utilize my supplies in creative ways. My mindset, however, has been very disoriented. I’ve noticed my pieces focus on my hatred toward technology right now.”

What keeps you driven and moving forward?

“To put it simply, passion keeps me moving. If I’m tired, something like music can motivate me. If I’m mad, I will use that as motivation. I know myself best, so no matter how I’m feeling, I will find a way to boost myself forward.”

What is the most difficult thing you have to deal with?

“I never have enough time. I am very busy and I cannot rush something like art. I’m a perfectionist, so I need my pieces to look just right before time runs out. I work slower, which is one of the perks of being a jack-of-all-trades I suppose. My brain has to hold onto many skills and techniques, so it can take a while.”

Do you have any goals or something you want to achieve with your arts?

“I don’t necessarily have a goal for my art, at least nothing like having it as a career path. I wouldn’t want to risk growing tired of it over time. For now, my goal is to make people happy and express how I feel through my art.”