Coppell High School junior Chloe Vigue may not be the first student to catch your attention when walking into a classroom with her shy demeanor and focused attitude.
However, within her passion for art lies a strong voice illuminating her creativity shine.
Her desire to work in a creative field is clear, with four out of her eight classes being art related courses – Art II Photography, Digital Arts & Animation, Graphic Design and Illustration II and Art II Drawing.
“I cannot see myself going in another direction,” Vigue said. “When it comes to my future and pursuing a career, I feel like I would not be happy unless I was going down a creative path.”
In the eyes of her teachers, Vigue’s commitment to improvement and accepting criticism shows her maturity as an artist.
“A lot of people do not take well to the critiquing necessary in this course,” said Shelley Dockery, who teaches Digital Arts & Animation and Graphic Design and Illustration II. “But even if she has to completely start an assignment over, she is OK with that because she wants to get it right. I think having that receptiveness is a big thing.”
Brennan Fruge, who teaches Art II Photography and Art II Drawing, echoes this statement.
“The work she is making is something we sometimes can’t even pull out of our AP art students,” Fruge said. “It shows how driven she is and her ability to think deeply about what she’s creating.”
Vigue’s pieces allude to feelings of optimism and nostalgia. With bright colors, childhood items and dramatic lighting, Vigue lets viewers into her memories and be reminded of their own pasts.
“Part of junior year is preparing to be an adult, which causes you to look back to what you’ll miss about your childhood,” Vigue said. “The fact that I exist, that the way I see the sky or view the past is uniquely my own experience, is a beautiful thing; that’s something I find really inspiring.”
While Vigue’s work is inspired by her own identity, she aspires to pursue a career in visual media fueled by the enthusiastic support of those around her, motivating Vigue to explore and evolve stylistically.
Her father, Jason Vigue, is a Graphic Motion and VFX artist with experience on projects including the television series “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.” His nurturement of Chloe’s creative interests and knowledge as a professional artist give her a beneficial perspective.
“My dad and I are really close,” Chloe said. “It was a rough path for him after high school to get where he is now, and I take some inspiration in knowing I can still make it in a creative field even if I stumble along the way.”
Last summer, Chloe shadowed artists at her father’s studio, gaining experience in a professional environment.
“Jason is the most supportive parent I have ever met, and really instills greatness in Chloe,” Dockery said.
Separate from being an artist, Chloe radiates friendliness and acceptance.
“She is a very comforting person,” junior Camille Alvarado said. “A lot of times art students have an unspoken competition with each other, but with her I can share something I’m proud of and she can do the same and there’s no judgment, because she creates a safe space for others.”
Despite the many doors Chloe’s classes, industry experience and continuous growth may open, the key is her unwavering love for using art to express her narrative.
“As much as I love art, it would not be worth it to me if I was not able to tell a story in some way,” Chloe said. “I truly think art can be a superpower, because you are able to create something that only you can envision in your mind.”
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