Art is a common way to express yourself. But when many think of art, they tend to think of drawing and painting,but art can be found everywhere from photography and poetry to singing and fashion. 

Students at IHS who participate in a variety of artistic classes use all of these ways to express themselves and their past experiences. 

“The reason art is so versatile is because so many people experience so many different things in life, resulting in different outcomes and interpretations of art,” said Akshita Suresh, senior at IHS. 

Suresh considers singing her passion and is one of the reasons she joined the IHS Choir. 

“Music has driven me [in life],” said Suresh. “Singing is the most valuable thing in my life. Music is my most cherished gift.

Another class that students can use as a creative outlet is photography. 

“I love taking pictures and capturing emotions,” said Umoni Hallie, sophomore at IHS. “My favorite [types of photography] include fashion and nature.”

She believes those topics are an accurate representation of who she wants to be.

“Photography [allows] me to express myself because it’s like drawing except you capture it in real life,” said Hallie. 

Photography also tells a story. It allows students to capture aesthetic purposes or depict current world issues. 

Brooke Allen, IHS Photojournalism, Yearbook, and Journalism teacher, believes her students use writing as another form of art.

“I love being creative, it’s what led me to [Yearbook and Journalism],” said Allen. “I think it’s great when students are able to find something they are passionate about.”

IHS also offers fashion design courses for students who aspire to become designers or work in the fashion industry. 

“My dream career is to be a fashion designer,” said Sheridan Phillips, junior at IHS. “The more realistic job I have in mind is to be a psychologist. I incorporate art and fashion into psychology by studying the colors, patterns, and clothing combinations.”

By combining her love for fashion and psychology, Phillips understands the importance of being able to express herself through many different forms of art. 

“[My fashion choices, music, and books] I read not only differentiates myself from others, but it lets people know exactly what I’m interested in,” said Phillips. “[Art] doesn’t necessarily have to be the standard form like paintings.  Anything that has a heart and soul in it is considered art to me.”