Spotlight on the Arts

Natasha Fisher – Noxon School

by Karen Thorson

Natasha Fisher is a 17-year-old senior at Noxon High School. Her artistic talent is evidenced in a multitude of images completed in a variety of media.

From assignments like "create a visual representation of a pun or common saying," such as eye candy and deviled egg, to depicting characters from literature or games, such as "Guess Who?" to naturalistic depictions of animals, such as the graphite tiger, to creations completely of her own imagination and making, such as "Water Lion," in all her work, Fisher's ability to bring vitality to her images seems boundless. Her approach begins with original drawings that she further defines in a variety of ways using acrylic paint, graphite, or other means. She then digitizes her creations and continues to work on them via a computer.

Fisher was drawing before she started school and her current work reflects those years of refining her process. She is inspired by many things including people, movies, games, her surroundings, and more. She is encouraged in her artwork by her mother, aunt and grandmother. Although not artists themselves, they clearly see her talent and can imagine what she can do and become in the future.

Fisher's work is not only for viewing, her images give rise to emotions. In "Water Lion" for example, water to her has a timeless quality – it has been here over time and will continue to be here. The images of a female figure embracing a lion of water represents the young girl remembering her past and gathering bravery for her future. Both the young girl and the lion have facial expressions that tie them together. It is a powerful piece of art.

When asked what advice she would give to aspiring artists, she admits that art is not always easy. It requires practice and patience. She admires the work of Aaron Blaise, an artist and illustrator, as well as Walt Disney, the famous illustrator, animator, and entrepreneur. These two artists provide a framework for what Fisher desires for her future. She wants to be a graphic artist and a Disney animator. To follow that aspiration, she will hopefully attend the California Institute of the Arts after she graduates from high school.

It would be difficult to choose one artwork from Fisher's portfolio that exemplifies the wide range of talent she has. One of her personal favorites is "Water Lion." As an example of her ability to tap various resources, she notes the lion in The Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan, as a contributing inspiration for her own original image, along with numerous photos of lions.

If her love of art and her creative skills are any measure, Fisher will be successful in whatever artistic field she chooses. Her current work is noteworthy on its own.

"Spotlight on the Arts" by The Paradise Center honors and encourages students in the arts by highlighting their talent and acknowledging the support they receive through their schools and teachers.