Former High School Intern Aidan performing with his band FOAM. Photo by Zac Wiener
«In today's world, with so many opportunities to explore our curiosity and stimulate our creativity, the most important thing we can do as artists is remain open and avoid placing limitations on our artistic abilities. We should remember to stay true to the duties of an artist, which are to shed light and comment on the human condition, to study and master our craft, and to keep searching for ways to stimulate, renew, and grow our creativity. This idea harks back to the polymaths of the Renaissance period. Growing and expanding one's methods and means of creativity and continuously reaching for artistic fulfillment is what speaks to me the most as an artist. »
Aidan acting at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Photo by Tess Strohm
I find fulfillment in dramatic and musical arts. I've been involved in theater since the sixth grade, but have only begun to understand and delve into the complexities of the craft in recent years through my training at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. At the dual-mission school, which promotes both art and academics, it's hard not to feel like an artist every day of the week, even in the transition from academic to studio classes. Empathy is a quality I've always possessed, but I'm able to strengthen my compassion for imaginary and real people in my acting ensembles at LaGuardia every year. To me, becoming an author's vessel for speech and subtext is what makes theater fulfilling.
Left: Aidan playing guitar with FOAM. Photo by Zac Wiener
On occasion, my desire to act grows weak. In these times of artistic dormancy, switching between two or more artistic disciplines becomes increasingly natural for me. In our sophomore year, a few friends and I started FOAM, and my endeavors with the band have allowed me to experience creative fulfillment through music. The most fulfilling aspect of FOAM, by far, is writing new music. There's nothing more inspiring and gratifying to me than developing a new vocal line or riff for a song. I love going into a rehearsal with no material and just jamming. My band does this comparatively less than when we started playing music, so I like to disappear into my basement by myself and play guitar for hours.
I'm grateful for the formation of FOAM because of the community of musicians I've been able to meet and network with. The human interaction between musicians is like no other. Art gives a voice to those that feel they lack one, and those that feel isolated, alone, or socially inept can use art as their language. Music grants me another artistic voice and the opportunity to branch out to people I don't know and wouldn't usually talk to.
Right: Aidan. In Evil, 2016. Double ring box, acrylic paint, resin and mixed media
My experience in The Met's High School Internship Program greatly inspired my passion for pursuing multiple art forms. I spent time observing and assisting my mentors in the Department of Egyptian Art. I enjoyed carrying out my daily tasks and projects that helped me develop my graphic design skills and experience and made use of my knowledge of storytelling from theater. As a high school intern, I also got to express myself as an artist outside of my departmental placement in creating a ring-box narrative with the help of contemporary artist Curtis "Talwst" Santiago. The internship provided me with valuable lessons and insight into how the arts and my own creativity can be incorporated into the work environment. My ultimate message to other artists is to be open and explore your curiosity.
Editors' Note: Aidan and all of the summer 2016 high school interns worked with visiting artist Curtis "Talwst" Santiago to transform ring boxes into works of art that express something about their identities. Aidan's art is meant to convey themes of beauty in evil, the nuanced beauty of mutation, and opposites in nature. Explore photos and explanations of these works by the interns on our Teen Facebook page. And, don't forget to come out to Teens Take The Met on Friday, October 28, from 5 to 8 pm to watch FOAM and other teen performances in the Grace Rainy Rogers Auditorium!
Related Event
Teens Take The Met Ages 13–18
Friday, October 28, 5–8 pm
The Met Fifth Avenue - Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education
Free for teens ages 13–18; Museum admission not required