Standout Student: Perpich Visual Artist Gains National Acclaim
The New York Times honored a Perpich Arts High School student’s artwork last month.
The act of being creative isn’t always rewarded, but when it is, that recognition can feel like a big boost. At Perpich in Golden Valley, art is recognized every day. It isn’t hard to find inspiration within its art studio.
Visual Arts student Jamie Davis said he’s been encouraged to think outside the box within his program. He started out primarily focusing on acrylic paint, but said his peers and teachers encouraged him to try more creative ideas.
“‘If that’s something you want to do, you should totally go for it.’ Experimentation is definitely emphasized, and that’s been really, really helpful,” Davis said.
“Sunshine Baby”
Davis’ work now borders on three-dimensional with a familiar acrylic paint base. That style is bringing positive results. His piece “Sunshine Baby” was a response to a New York Times competition prompt about how your upbringing influenced your political views. He decided to focus on where he finds comfort in times of chaos.
“What’s at the core is just this small child, warm summer. Stuff I associate with being young,” Davis said.
He based it off a photo from his childhood, then flipped part of it upside down and added layers, one being a drawing of a crosswalk sign and a stop sign.
In his artist statement, Davis said, in part: “I created this piece to represent the comfort I find in recollection, how I retreat to the solace of home and childhood represented by caged fabric when the world feels so scary and unforgiving. The contradicting road signs depicted represent what the world is telling me vs what I have and continue to do- keep walking. I can’t change who I am, and I don’t want to.”
His piece earned a runner-up position in the New York Times competition, which was posted on the publication’s website in January. Davis submitted the work himself and said he forgot about it until he received a message that his piece was going through the final round of judging. He said it was surprising, but gratifying to win.
Jamie Davis holds up “Sunshine Baby,” which received a runner-up prize from the New York Times.
Going Places
Beyond the accolades, Davis finds comfort in art.
“I’m very… conceptual with the passing of time and with life,” Davis said. “I feel like if I don’t document things, then I will forget how I felt as a 17 year old.”
His principal, Rebecca Bullen, praised Jamie’s drive and eye for design. She said he’s helping the school get involved with the National Art Honor Society. To Bullen, that shows his dedication is well-rounded.
“Really driven, dedicated to art, community and just kind of building up our space creatively and community-wise,” Bullen said.
Davis still has another year at Perpich to hone his craft. In a building of high-achieving creatives, Bullen thinks he will excel.
“For a young person to be seen in the world is a really wonderful opportunity for them,” she said.
Davis is a junior at Perpich, alongside his twin sister who studies music. You can read about the other winners in the New York Times’ article: “Teens on Politics Today: The Winners of Our Coming of Age in 2024 Contest.”
Jamie Davis works on his latest project, which he also plans to craft with mixed media.
