For many St. Stephen’s students, art is more than just a hobby. It’s also a form of self-expression, community building, and a livelihood. For Nisa Tyabji ‘27, Scarlett Ratcliff ‘27, and Mars Fifield ‘27, Art Club has been a way to become leaders who give back to their campus community. Although their artistic styles and backgrounds vary, they all share a dedication to their craft and helping others discover their passions.
For Scarlett, her sister helped inspire her love for drawing: “… when we were younger, we would watch Bob Ross videos for hours and attempt the 100 day Bob Ross challenge.” Since then, she has continued refining her craft by experimenting with new materials and drawing inspiration from diverse sources, from fellow artists to games like Animal Crossing. Meanwhile, Mars discovered her passion after arriving on the Hill and meeting fellow club members: “I’ve always been super interested… but I never thought I was ‘good enough’ for it.” After discovering the Art Club community, she grew to embrace imperfection, “developing a passion for the process rather than a result.”
Over the years, the Art Club has welcomed members of all walks of life, offering opportunities to create works in diverse mediums. In the past few weeks, they’ve explored making spooky dolls, linocut stamps, zines, and more. For Nisa, paint pens have been a new favorite tool to experiment with: “I don’t usually have time for regular paintings, so this has been a good middle ground.” They have also made regular appearances in the works she sells, which can be viewed on her Instagram (@_nisas_art_). Be on the lookout for new projects coming soon this year!
Because artists are often known for their unique and authentic styles, there is also pressure to find them quickly in order to stand out. However, to Mars, his process is one that requires patience and remaining true to yourself: ”Try everything you find interesting! Style and look are only interesting if YOU find it interesting, because when you do, it shines through in your work.” Scarlett and Nisa also emphasize the balance between drawing inspiration from others and embracing change. Both of them have grown from replicating the visual elements of their favorite shows, and have witnessed their art become more personalized with time.
The Art Club holds meetings in Stillwater Studio during Rotation 1 Club Time. Whether you’re a serious artist pursuing a career or simply exploring a new hobby with friends, Art Club is a welcoming space for all students.