FROM THE ART ROOM
Visual Arts at New Covenant School
New Cov Senior Eliza Mattox Wins AACS National Art Award
William Tyndale: For the Boy Who Drives a Plough
Our school recently celebrated with Eliza Mattox after her oil painting won first place at the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS) National Competition. In preparation for this competition, Eliza prepared an artist statement explaining her process as well as her reasons for choosing her subject. She answered a few specific questions that I’d like to share with you.
How or why did you choose your subject? Where did you get the idea?
Since I would be representing my school in the art show I wanted to paint something that both represented my school and personally inspired me. So I decided to paint a character from my favorite book I’ve read at school, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. I chose William Tyndale because I thought of a scene that would be both beautiful and doable for me. Also every English-speaking Christian owes so much to this man, and he is very important to our heritage. I knew Martin Luther considered his German Scripture translation work one of the most grueling and agonizing things he ever did in his life, because of the sheer weight of what he was doing—bringing God’s Word to his people in their own language. And so I thought Tyndale probably experienced much agony, too, all of which he had to feel and experience alone because of the threat of death and persecution. As for the title, I found one of William Tyndale’s famous quotes (to the clergy), reading, “If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause the boy who drives a plough to know more of the Scriptures than you do.” I thought I would title this painting “William Tyndale: For the Boy Who Drives a Plough” because all his agonizing, unseen efforts were for the lay people, any of God’s people, to have and read and know the Scriptures for themselves in their own native tongue.
Explain the process you used in making your entry. How was your idea developed? Be specific! If printmaking, what type of ink did you use (water-based, oil, etc.); what matrix did you use (wood, linoleum, etc.)?
I had a man from my Church come and sit at a table with a few props while I took pictures. I chose one photo, edited it a little bit, and then used that as my reference. I worked with oil paint on canvas, with linseed oil and terpenoid as paint-thinners. I first drew it out onto the canvas. I attempted a grid to help me, but that did not work out, so I drew it free-hand by eyeing it. I did a burnt umber wash over most of the whole canvas and then began with laying in color on the face and arm and sleeve. Over several different days of painting I finished it off. The candle in the photo I knew did not look like the candle as I saw it with my eyes, so I looked at some candles to fix the flame. After it dried I put my signature on it and then put varnish over it.
When planning the piece, what help did you receive from others?
Lewis Hightower, an acquaintance from my church, came and posed for me while I took pictures of him. He also provided some of the props. My neighbor Mrs. Galyean provided the feather for me. My teacher Mr Van Fossen encouraged me on the subject of William Tyndale.
New Covenant Students Shine at the SCACS Fine Arts Festival!
New Covenant School recently participated in the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools (SCACS) Fine Arts Festival. Seven students from the school took part in the event. The festival took place in March and was a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their artistic and musical talents.
Sara Burdette, Robert George, Eliza Mattox, and Virginia Wickiser represented the school in the visual arts category. They submitted their work for evaluation by the judges. Robert's astrophotography received a superior rating, which is a testament to his skills in capturing and editing images of celestial bodies. Virginia's acrylic pairing received an excellent rating, and she won 2nd place in the category. Eliza won 1st place and Best in Show for her oil painting, a remarkable achievement that recognizes her talent and dedication to the art. For her achievement, she will be attending the Association of Christian Schools National Fine Art Competition.
In the musical arts category, Noah Lock, Abigail Locke, and Kate More showcased their skills in piano, violin, and brass performances. Noah and Kate each received a rating of excellent for their performances. Abigail Locke stood out in the competition as she placed first in both sacred and classical piano, a remarkable achievement that speaks to her dedication and hard work. Abigail will also represent our school at the AACS Nationals event which will be held at Bob Jones University in April.
The SCACS Fine Arts Festival was an enriching experience for all the students who participated, and we hope to add more students to the event next year!