The 'Banksy' of Mission Vista
The "Banksy of Mission Vista" finally reveals herself as our very own Caitlin Harper. A junior here at Mission Vista, she is known for her daily "cartoony" whiteboard sketches in different classrooms, inspiring students with her talent.
Striving to become an author and illustrator for her own book series, Harper tirelessly strives to exceed expectations on class projects. However, she also disagrees with the focus the art department takes on campus. “I feel like everyone has high expectations, I try my best in every piece and art class was testing my patience with due dates,” Harper explains.
Art takes patience and time, but when under pressure of a due date Harper feels it can rush the work. Shannon Morse, a sophomore comments, “Caitlin's work reminds me that practice makes perfect. Everyone started from somewhere, and it isn’t healthy to compare your artwork to that of others.” Although hoping to become a graphic novelist, Harper believes sketching for a class is too rushed so she practices art in her free time.
“I think I might hit up Mr. Forester next, I want to sketch Carl Sagan for him. He’s a great teacher,” Harper explains. Sketching helps her focus in different classes, using it as a method of learning at her own pace. Her dream is to be a student at the Academy of Arts in San Francisco, practicing her talent to inspire others to sketch and learn her techniques to focus in a classroom.
“Anyone can make good art, it’s just a matter of how much practice and work you put into it.” says Harper. She continues to sketch in Mrs. Peruski's room and hopes to inspire others to help Mission Vista become more creative and expressive through art.