Stepping back to get a larger picture of the piece, Anjali Yamasani (12) looks for little details that she can work on to improve the overall outcome of her art. Anjali puts in a hundred percent of her focus when she picks up her art utensil, proceeds with her process and makes revisions carefully. Working with art allows Anjali to take pride in the hard work she has put into each and every piece.

Anjali has taken art lessons since kindergarten and decided to continue the commitment throughout her life as she enjoys the process of creating her own art. First starting with fan art by drawing her role models and exploring digital art as a hobby, Anjali then moved forward to improve her skill and technique by building up her foundation in art through courses like Study of Visual Arts in her freshman year and Advanced Drawing in sophomore year. Her artistic journey ultimately led her to creating her first art portfolio in her junior year.

“I spent a lot of time [on the portfolio]; we spent the entire school year on it and it wasn’t just class time — a lot of the work was done with many hours outside of class,” Anjali said.

Although the portfolio had certain requirements that she had to follow, Anjali explored the variety of mediums and art styles. She developed to become a more mature artist and found her own creation process.

“Starting with lots of research and forming an exact vision in my head of what I want it to be like, I would compile 30 to 40 photographs as references and use little tiny slivers of each as inspiration to make my own piece,” Anjali said.

Anjali truly enjoys every step that leads to the finishing product, even during the times that are challenging. She realizes that there is no definite right or wrong to art, and that it takes time correcting and revising over and over again.

Anjali stays motivated with art because she cherishes the moment when she finishes a piece. She loves to show her art to her family, friends and classmates because of the amount of time and effort she puts into each and every piece she works on.

“The entire process is leading up to that moment,” she said. “I’m always super excited to share my original art pieces because I’ve poured so much time and energy in it. The feeling is great and I don’t even know how to describe it.”

As Anjali grows to become a better artist as she discovers the kind of art she most enjoys working with, she delights her friends with the amazing work she has done.

“[Anjali] is so talented but she doesn’t brag about it,” friend since sixth grade Anya Warrier (12) said. “I didn’t know how good she was at art until she showed me for the first time.”

Anjali has gained confidence over the years from the time and effort she put in for her art. With hours and hours building each piece, she dedicates most of her time to her favorite type of art, photorealism, after experimenting with different styles.

“I really like photorealism, and that’s what I strive for my art to be like,” she said. “I want my art to look like a photograph and that is my end goal. I’m a perfectionist in my art and in my life.”

Anjali’s style of art resembles her view of life. She knows exactly what she wants and she holds herself accountable to high standards, whether for art or for the type of person she strives to be. Her attitude toward art contributes to her actions in her daily life. She makes sure to express her true self and follows her heart when she makes decisions and interacts with others.

“We were able to hang out together even after the pandemic where we didn’t talk to each other at all,” Catherine He (12) said. “She’s the kind of person where you fall back in place even after disconnection.”

Coming back from remote learning and a long period of isolation, Anjali treasures the time she has with her friends, especially after the height of the coronavirus pandemic. She takes advantage of being in person and becomes an avid planner so that she can spend more time with her friends. When it comes to planning, Anjali is always enthusiastic, especially taking initiative to plan and confirm trips. Close friend Anishka Raina (12) reflects on a trip to Tahoe and a concert in Los Angeles that Anjali had planned.

“When we all only think about it, [Anjali] actually took action and planned everything,” Anishka said. “She booked the tickets [and] Airbnb and researched nearby events. She is really good at action taking and she actually makes a plan.”

Anjali’s avid planning and decisive demeanor developed when she realized that the time she has left in high school is flying past, leading her to want to make the most out of every moment. Her friends since middle school have seen her change from being initially shy and reserved to being openly expressive about her thoughts and actions.

“She’s very open and down to do anything whereas before she might have been a little more reserved, but as you get to know her she really opens up and she’s the one who encourages you to try something that you haven’t before,” Melody Yazdi (12) said. “I’ve definitely seen growth.”

Despite being initially more selective toward who she wanted to be open to, Anjali has now grown comfortable and confident in sharing her true emotions with others through genuine interactions with the people around her. Her adventurous personality and communication skills brought her closer with friends, and she inspires those around her to try new experiences of fun and excitement. The open-minded interactions with her friends are refreshing and help form her unique personality, contributing to her straightforward and true self.

“I don’t change myself for anyone,” Anjali said. “That’s a standard that I have for myself, which is to try to be myself. But obviously, when I meet different people, there are qualities from them that I want to emulate if it can make me grow as a person. I strive to stay real and open towards my friends and in any aspect in life.”