Contributor's Note:
By Ashton McDaniels
11th Grade, Desert Hills High School, Gilbert, Arizona
Rambunctious Press Contributor
I would describe my artwork as ‘Urban Concept.’ I am always looking for new and interesting places to take photos - any place that is out of the way, or considered too ‘urban’ or ‘street’ to be beautiful. Maybe it’s a run down railroad yard or an amusement area that’s been closed up. Part of this involves a little bit of danger - going someplace that you’re not necessarily supposed to be, in order to find something unique. But that, to me, is part of the process. It’s about going farther to find that interesting shot, and about looking within the city to find something that nobody’s seen before, or seen in that way.
Describe your creative process
We look around, especially in the neighborhoods considered to be ‘run down’ in the city, and we only see the grime and graffiti and the broken windows. But there is something real and artistic to be seen in any setting, whether it’s on a street corner or in a train station. I’m not only looking for interesting places to shoot, but also different angles and ways of looking at things.
What is the big idea behind your work?
Behind the destruction, there is beauty.
What are your overall thoughts about your creations?
I am happy with the images I have been able to get so far, but I want to keep pushing myself as a artist, to continue to find new ways of looking at things, and to be able to present those ideas to the public. There is real beauty to be found no matter where you look. You just have to use the right angle.
How does your school play a role in your creative process?
My school is very supportive of my work. They display my photos in the classrooms and I have been a featured part of art shows and exhibits. I was able to present my art and business ideas in the community as part of the Youth Entrepreneurs class, and my art instructors are continually helping me refine my vision. I am very happy with the support that I have received.
11th Grade, Desert Hills High School, Gilbert, Arizona
Rambunctious Press Contributor
I would describe my artwork as ‘Urban Concept.’ I am always looking for new and interesting places to take photos - any place that is out of the way, or considered too ‘urban’ or ‘street’ to be beautiful. Maybe it’s a run down railroad yard or an amusement area that’s been closed up. Part of this involves a little bit of danger - going someplace that you’re not necessarily supposed to be, in order to find something unique. But that, to me, is part of the process. It’s about going farther to find that interesting shot, and about looking within the city to find something that nobody’s seen before, or seen in that way.
Describe your creative process
We look around, especially in the neighborhoods considered to be ‘run down’ in the city, and we only see the grime and graffiti and the broken windows. But there is something real and artistic to be seen in any setting, whether it’s on a street corner or in a train station. I’m not only looking for interesting places to shoot, but also different angles and ways of looking at things.
What is the big idea behind your work?
Behind the destruction, there is beauty.
What are your overall thoughts about your creations?
I am happy with the images I have been able to get so far, but I want to keep pushing myself as a artist, to continue to find new ways of looking at things, and to be able to present those ideas to the public. There is real beauty to be found no matter where you look. You just have to use the right angle.
How does your school play a role in your creative process?
My school is very supportive of my work. They display my photos in the classrooms and I have been a featured part of art shows and exhibits. I was able to present my art and business ideas in the community as part of the Youth Entrepreneurs class, and my art instructors are continually helping me refine my vision. I am very happy with the support that I have received.