While most 6-year-olds were spending time playing games or watching their favorite cartoons, Coppell High School sophomore Zoey Cheah was utilizing crayons, LEGOs and acrylic paints.
Cheah has a passion for creativity and expression, something channeled through years of art.
“I was pretty bad at first, but since I have been doing it for so long, I learned as I grew,” Cheah said. “I have been able to feel pretty good in recent years.”
For some teenagers, things like doodling or sketching are used as a way to kill time, maybe after a test or when they are bored. However, Cheah utilizes drawing for a deeper purpose throughout her life.
When starting a new piece, Cheah often draws inspiration from her surroundings and emotions.
“Art is an expression of your brain, whether it is how you feel or something that’s going on,” Cheah said. “It is able to picture emotions and feelings beyond just a description of ways.”
Cheah’s high school art career began when she joined Art l Honors at CHS9.
During freshman year, she created a piece called “Sweet Dreams” for Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), a state-wide art competition. Few students at competitions move on to the state level.
She ended up winning two gold medals and hopes to participate again in a higher division this year.
Cheah looks forward to meeting new people at CHS who share her passions and making connections in the art program.
“I am excited to grow and learn and also make friends with the people around me and see what their interests are,” Cheah said.
For Cheah, art is a pathway of connection to those surrounding her.
“Art allows people to see beyond just words, and some people might understand it while others might not,” Cheah said. “The ones who do are able to see the deeper meaning of things and connect with you through whatever it is.”
Her enthusiasm for art shines through her everyday interactions with her family, friends and teachers.
“Zoey brings a bunch of positive energy to the class and it helps us start the morning with fresh ideas,” Art ll Honors sophomore Valeria Rojas said. “The environment of the class itself gets better and it makes ideas for us quicker.”
To Art ll Honors teacher Sarah Williams, Cheah illuminates artistry and individuality.
“Zoey does a good job coming up with unique concepts and bringing her own artistic style to her art,” Williams said. “Her impact on those around her is just the positivity she brings when she comes to class.”
Cheah holds perseverance regarding her art and the ability to stay motivated when struggling with a piece.
“I like to take breaks and then come back another time when I’m struggling,” Cheah said. “I see from a different angle and look not just through the process but the overall view to see what can change or what needs to be done better.”
Even though Cheah is interested in pursuing the medical field after high school, she remains with a never ending desire to continue art at least as a hobby.
“I feel like it will always be a passion of mine, something I like to do,” Cheah said.
Follow Chloe (@chl03sm1th_) and @CHSCampusNews on X.
