Student artists share creative thoughts

Joshua Parenti
Joshua Parenti, a senior at Sarasota High School, won best in show for his photograph “Bourbon Street.” He won a scholarship for $12,000 a year for four years and a $5,000 Portfolio Award from Ringling College of Art and Design. He will attend Ringling.

What piqued your interest in art?
I’ve always had an interest. I started photography two years ago. I picked up a camera and tried to teach myself.

Was there a certain selection process to determine the photographs you entered in the show?
Most of the pictures on display are from a New Orleans vacation I took with my family. I figured I’d bring my camera and explore.

Your “Bourbon Street” photograph won the Esther Freeman Best of Show Award — did something in particular prompt you to take it?
I tried to capture the atmosphere in the city. Bourbon Street was a crazy street that I wanted to capture in a picture, and, in this case, I felt photography would be best.

How did you achieve the color and effects?
I take three or more shots of different exposures of the same image and blend them together with a secret technique. It brings out a lot of colors and tones, making them almost 3-D.

You’re going to receive $12,000 scholarship each year for the next four years for college. What does this mean to you?
It’s a huge help, definitely. I’ll be able to live on campus, which is great.

Do you have a major in mind at Ringling College of Art and Design?
Graphic and interactive communications.
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Jacob Giddens
Jacob Giddens, a senior in the Visual Performing Arts program at Booker High School, received a $5,000 Portfolio Award from Ringling College of Art and Design. He will attend Ringling.

What piqued your interest in art?
My grandfather (Harry West) has been a big influence. He graduated from Ringling in 1964. We’ve had a lot of one-on-one lessons about the things he’s learned over the years.

What’s the most important thing he taught you?
He had me draw a stool exactly as I saw it. The idea was to draw what I see and not what I think I see. I think it’s just being aware of what you’re seeing and working hard at perfecting that.

Is there a medium that you prefer?
Oil and acrylics, but oils blend better.

What was the inspiration behind your painting “Volition of Façade,” which won a first-place ribbon?
It’s from a portfolio focusing on subjective storytelling. The viewer decides the meaning, but it’s really a choice of expression and how you present yourself.

You’re going to receive a $5,000 scholarship for college. What does this mean to you?
Every little bit helps. I’ll definitely go to Ringling. I plan to major in illustration.

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Award Winners
In the North County show, high-school students competed in 12 categories for ribbons, prizes and five cash awards. Two $1,000 Portfolio Awards from State College of Florida went to Milan Puda, of Riverview High School, and Jacqueline Stamp, of Sarasota High School.

• $175 Creativity Award: Jason Avis, of Booker High

• $100 Originality Award:  Sami Hunter, of Sarasota High

• $100 Most Expressive Award: Crystal Medina, of Sarasota High

• $150 Most Marketable Award: Natalie Schuh, of Sarasota High

• $100 Esther Freeman Best of Show Award:  Joshua Parenti, of Sarasota High

Contact Loren Mayo at [email protected].