tb-two*s “on exhibit” regularly showcases student artists and their work, but in this issue we offer up a whole gallery of talent worth celebrating. Click here to see more student work from this issue and from previous issues.

Gabie Arnold, East Lake High sophomore
To me, art is a little bit of an escape. I know that sounds really cheesy, but after a big day it’s extremely nice to go into the art room at school or my garage at home, and just paint. I love watercolor and acrylic, but I think I prefer watercolor. It’s free and simple, whereas acrylic paintings are more thick and complex. These  are my favorite because they are whimsical. You wouldn’t normally see a bird on top of cups, or a ballerina exploding (on the cover ). But through the paint you can almost tell the passion that the ballerina has for what she does. That’s what I like about art, you can manipulate emotions with your paintbrush. Drama is literally in the palm of your hands.

*Pictured: Birds on a wire (top left), Ballerina (bottom, far left), Birds and coffee (bottom, second from left)
Medium: Watercolor

As told to Katie Lamont, East Lake High

Sara Nettle, Palm Harbor University High senior
To make this piece I had to lie inside the fabric soaked in glue for an hour and a half while the glue dried. The idea behind this piece was the idea of isolation, and being okay with that feeling. For that hour and a half, even though I was surrounded with people, I was cut off from them. I found it very meditative; I had to be comfortable with isolationism to be able to create this piece. The inspiration of this piece came from was when I was 3 and my brother went off to kindergarten. When he left, I felt very alone because I had no one to play with.

As told to Alexa Tsongranis, Palm Harbor University High

*Pictured below, third from left: Waiting for My Brother to Come Home, fabric soaked in glue, feathers and her own body

Zoe Papas, Palm Harbor University High senior
I wanted the ribs to represent protection. I feel that ribs protect the vulnerability of the soul. Art is a depiction of my soul, which needs to be protected from the outside world. I really feel that my confidence in art came out when working on this piece. I feel that the use of bold brushstrokes represents that confidence.

As told to Alexa Tsongranis, Palm Harbor University High

*Pictured below, far right: Protection, oil paint