Junior Kate Jumper sits by her canvas in her home, getting her oil paints ready so she can relax while creating something beautiful.
Jumper said she has been doing art since sixth grade.
She said she spends a lot of time creating art in her AP Art class, and focuses on acrylic and oil paintings in her free time.
Jumper said she discovered art as a means of expression during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What keeps me going is that it’s a really great stress reliever. It’s a way to express everything without having a grade attached to it, or without having expectations for something incredible,” she said.
Jumper said art has helped her develop discipline and personal growth.
“I really like being able to go in, even once a week, and just try and do better,” she said.
Jumper’s art has reached the point where she can sell her pieces and she said her biggest accomplishment is being able to see her artwork resonate with others.
“Having people see something powerful in what I’m making and being able to share it with other people is very important to me. I think that’s a pretty big accomplishment,” Jumper said.
AP Art teacher Gillian Bailey has taught Jumper for three years.
“She is a talented artist. She doesn’t depend on that, though. Part of the reason she is a talented artist is that she works really hard at what she does and thinks through a lot of what she’s doing with self critique,” Bailey said. “She worked for where she is today.”
Bailey said Jumper is a very bold student inside of the class, putting effort and passion into her work.
“She’s not afraid to be a little weird with her ideas, where she’s kind of creating original characters or playing with proportions or changing color, so that’s a big risk to create mostly original artwork,” Bailey said.
Jumper said while balancing AP art with personal art is challenging, she still comes prepared to class every day.
“She’s someone who’s really responsible for her learning, holding herself to a very high standard, even beyond concern for a grade, someone who’s working hard because they want to see their ideas enacted in the way they envision,” Bailey said.
Although Jumper said she isn’t certain about pursuing a career in art, she aims to continue it to some capacity.
“I don’t know if I would go into a profession as art. I hope to do certain art classes in college, but I always want to keep it up and make sure it’s always a part of my life one way or another, for fun or for occupation,” Jumper said.
AP Art student junior Inara Mehta said Jumper is one of the nicest people Mehta has ever met, and a leader in class.
“She’s really such a compassionate and caring person, and she always tries to make other people smile,” Mehta said. “Everyone asks her for advice about their artwork. She’s always complimenting everyone. I think she’s also very good at constructive criticism with other people’s artwork, which as an artist is very helpful.”
