Many people have heard the term “major” loosely used regarding the Fieldston art curriculum. But what is a major? A Fieldston student enrolled in an art major course is someone who is dedicated to the arts six times per week. This rigorous course can be given to people studying film, 3D arts, 2D arts, photography and other artistic fields. Earlier this week, I had the privilege to sit down with Ezra Batten, a 2D-Visual Arts Major, and learn more about what it means to be an arts major.
Will Saunders: What does it mean to be an Art major?
Ezra Batten: “An art major is, in terms of school, someone who attends 2 double-period classes of art a week for their major, and a single double-period class for their minor. Currently, I am a 2D-Visual Arts Major and I am minoring in life drawing. However, this is just the textbook definition of an art major. In my opinion, an art major is anyone who pursues art rigorously and loves to do it consistently.”
WS: When did you first begin art?
EB: “I’ve been drawing since I was around 4. I started seriously pursuing art when I was around 8 or 9. It has always been something that I enjoyed and I continue to put time and effort into.”
WS: What does art mean to you?
EB: “ Art means a lot to me. It’s a way to express myself, a way to cope, and a way to just have fun and show my interests to everyone else. Art is something that I really enjoy doing and that I hope to continue pursuing.”
WS: How do you see art represented at Fieldston?
EB: “ I see art represented in the school plays and musicals, in the talent shows, and of course in the art building. I see it represented in the ways people do or create things that they love or enjoy. I’m also very grateful that Fieldston has such an amazing arts program that allows me and many others to do what we love.”
WS: What are you excited about for this year?
EB: I’m excited to improve upon my own skills and to see where my art takes me this year. I mainly do drawing but being a 2D arts major allows me to experiment with different mediums such as painting. I am also excited for the trips that the art majors will be going on this year.”
The art major allows for students like Ezra to fully immerse themselves in a community of creative thinkers and explore the diverse mediums of art. Attached below are some of Ezra’s work throughout the years:
