Letter from the Editors: Value of the Arts

Comments courtesy of the December INK Poll

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by Virginia Bradford on behalf of the INK Staff

When I first heard about the art in the gallery that had been vandalized, I was in Printmaking, hearing stories of ruined artwork meant for college portfolios, and feeling upset as I carved out triangular shapes in my Durer-inspired print. I heard that the AP Art chalk drawings had been smudged by somebody walking through the hallway, and everybody sounded so resigned and upset and angry, as if there was nothing that could be done about it.

Art is one of the best things ever invented, I think. Creativity, and the ability to hold onto some childlike wonder and imagination, and apply it to the surrounding environment, is something that should not be wasted. Artists are a special kind of people, whether they are writing or drawing, composing music or modern dancing, or anything in between.
I joined the INK staff because I find it fascinating to see people’s creativity, and to be a part of a team that can share TA’s most talented people with the world. There’s nothing like opening the submissions box the week before a new issue and hearing a song somebody made on SoundCloud, or a series of black-and-white photos, each one better than the last. It makes me appreciate Thornton Academy and all the people who are bound to be somebody.

My fellow editors feel the same way about art. Bree (Brianna Berube ‘20) says that, in response to what she likes about art, “Art is commonly misinterpreted in today's society. I believe that it is more than a hobby, more than a form of entertainment, more than just something pleasing to the senses. Art is the manifestation of the human soul. It is a window into the heart of mankind, and to me that is invaluable. It reflects cultures and experiences that are rich and emotional; art allows us to stay in touch with and understand our human nature.” 
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When I asked another editor, Jake (Jacob Repucci ‘19), in Advisory last week, he said, “I don’t know, I like telling stories and art is a way to get the stories in my head out Into the world, I suppose.” We made our National Novel Writing Day post using his notebook paper, before he wrote his 50,000 word novel all in the month of November.

All of us INK editors are INK editors because we love and appreciate art and the Thornton Academy art community, in all of its shapes and forms and varieties. We are editors, but we ourselves are also writers and artists and musicians. The art gallery vandalism, as upsetting as it was for so many, only made us appreciate what art really means to us— as well as to the TA community.
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It inspired us to make a statement, by dedicating this December 2017 issue to our own AP Art Class, and all the Thornton Academy artists that make INK so enjoyable.