Serafina Hallie, 16.
How did you get into art?
I feel like I was just kind of raised into it. My parents… especially my mom, she’s been the person to be like, “if you are able to do something and you want to do it, then go for it.“ And I’ve always been someone to create anything that I can get my hands on. I’ve always enjoyed getting my hands dirty. And just finding little things. Having conversations with people somehow about something in my hand-an outlet. It’s just something I’ve always loved getting in to.
What mediums do you use?
A lot. So I’m double majoring at SOTA in dance and illustration. So I do a lot of paintings and drawings- but I also make jewelry. And I really love modern dance. I work at hilltop artists so I do glass work. Torch work. Make beads. And yeah, that’s a lot of fun.
-What do you prefer?
I feel like with everything I do I’ve always had that same feeling I’ve always craved. Just being able to do the things I am always passionate about. And with each form of art that I do, I get a different feeling; so it’s hard to compare.
What type of art do you see as an actual career?
Definitely around visual arts. So… painting, or, I’m considering film- art- direction. Just because I’d be able to pick out how to make a film beautiful. And I’m not even into film. But just making the whole thing an experience that you get to perceive; experienc[ing] beauty. And just to play someone in an experience that’s so transparent. I want to be the person to bring them that feeling.
What has art done in your life?
Some people write down their thoughts. Some people illustrate or dance. So I think it helps me to say things I wouldn’t say normally. It’s just kind of brought me to a place that I want to be in my life. Which is very much a relief and a privilege that I get to be able to be passionate. It means I have the resources to do so.
We saw you curated your own art show. What other events do you want to do?
Well, I’m always thinking of different events I want to host. I volunteer at all the sales at my work so I get to do customer service I guess, and talk about hilltop artists. I try to participate in SOTA events, but SOTA can get unorganized I guess [laughs]. But I am trying to plan some stuff for this summer. I think I want to host a little show because I think it’s really hard to get yourself out there as a young artist. This is why I love these interviews. But it is very much a time-consuming process. So I have ideas that I can hopefully put into action. Committing to things [is a part of the process].
What are some challenges you found on your artistic journey?
Well, I’ve lived in Tacoma my whole life and I always try to be somewhere that inspires me. I love Tacoma with all my heart, but being in one place my whole life has definitely challenged me just a little bit. Because I’m very much obsessed with traveling too. And I always want to be somewhere that inspires me. So being in the same spot… I feel like I know every corner in this city. That’s been a little challenging. Every artist has art blocks that [they] stumble into. I’m very much a person who finds something and can’t get over it. [I] Research and get invested in this thing… discover so much, and I move onto a different thing. So I usually can get through those, but it’s definitely hard to stay inspired sometimes just because I’m in one place.
“Some people write down their thoughts. Some people illustrate or dance. So I think it helps me to say things I wouldn’t say normally.”
Are these challenges portrayed as themes in your art?
No not really [laughs]. I mean my changes are much easier than other people’s challenges so I’d rather make art that’s portraying those. I also love creating art that’s scenery. I love painting places that I want to go to. I feel like creating something that represents where I want to be kind of brings me there. Or brings me closer to that place. And also letting the viewer’s mind go to that place where I presented it for them.
What’s the difference between looking at someone and drawing them?
Looking at someone’s face I can admire their features. But observing them to the point where I’m drawing or painting them, lets me build a relationship with their features. So I might get to know this person just by staring into their eyes and creating them with some other medium that’s not a three-dimensional human in front of me.
How do you know if a piece of work is done?
I mean I guess that’s luck when I figure that out. I think I make the mistake of continuing a piece so many times because I’m so excited to get into it and it turns into something else. Whether it’s a simplistic piece or a complex piece, when it’s come to the point where I can look at it and where it’s accomplished what I want all my art pieces to accomplish then I know it’s done. But that says only a little bit because who knows? I could go in tomorrow, and say that, ‘ah I need to change that.’ It’s whenever I look at it and decide its message is complete and clear-but that could change.
Why is it relevant for teens to get involved in their community?
I think when anyone is able to bring awareness or bring someone nostalgia, that’s an amazing thing. And if anyone has the ability to do that, that’s a very special thing. Especially teenagers, I feel like our generation is seen as the narcissistic, smartphone generation. And bringing passion into other people’s lives, and being able to have that passion inside of you is a very important thing to bring into the community around us.
“Whether it’s a simplistic piece or a complex piece, when it’s come to the point where I can look at it and where it’s accomplished what I want all my art pieces to accomplish then I know it’s done.”
What should teenagers do right now to build a network?
Don’t be afraid of taking action with your ideas. The reason I had an art show, was because I had no way of getting my art out there. So if you have an idea, take action with it. It can be difficult, but there are so many other kids with your same position. Do what you want. If you are organized enough, passionate enough, you will be able to do something so great. Do what you want to do, and so much more progress will be made.
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