Through the window, the stars are peeking out of the midnight clouds and an orange tabby cat is lounging in the moonlight on the windowsill. There is an aesthetically pleasing low-fi playlist playing in the background, and the world seems to be under the illusion of peace.

The watercolors are drying up, but the paint brushes are still saturated with pigment. Pastels are splayed across the mahogany desk and a half-finished latte is dangerously close to falling off of the edge. The artist’s peaceful slumber ends when her eyes flutter open to the sound of a car driving past her house. Stretching out her back and the last of her tiredness, she dips her paintbrush into the water.

It is now time to get started on a masterpiece.

Yorba Linda High School is the epitome of artistic wonder. The buildings are reminiscent of palaces from fantasylands of childhood picture books, and the views looking west towards Catalina Island are majestic. 

Given that the environment is naturally captivating, it is no surprise that there are many talented art students among the Mustangs.

Yorba Linda and its eponymous high school are extraordinarily beautiful, but the addition of the modern Yorba Linda Public Library (YLPL) in 2020 has boosted their appeal. At the YLPL, there is an annual art and writing contest called “Exposed Art and Literature Contest” for teenagers in 7th grade to 12th grade (ylpl.org). This year’s theme was “Seize the Moment,” which artists could interpret and apply to their paintings.

Yorba Linda Mustang painters Lancy Shi (11), Keira Smith (11), and Tiffany Im (10) won first place, second place, and third place respectively.

The first-place winner Lancy Shi created the piece below called “Everything,” which portrays a girl in front of a background with themes of stairs and surreal architecture reminiscent of M.C. Escher, the Dutch artist famous for his lithograph called Relativity. There is a hand reaching towards her neck as well, all with the perspective of being surrounded by sunset-like colors.

Shi’s artist statement is as follows: 

“The complex structures in the background show the idea that everything happens in a single moment. The contrast of the cool colors in the figure versus the bright background shows how people seem to ignore their joyful surroundings by focusing on negative emotions. As the figure tears open their throat, the blood spills out into vibrant structures, displaying the idea that to truly seize the moment, you must willfully create your own happiness.”

She credits YLHS Art teacher Ms. Kelly Fritz’s encouragement to her accomplishment:

“Miss Fritz told us about this contest, and I submitted my most recent artwork because it just so happens to fit the theme.” Shi explains “I’m really glad I had this opportunity because I wouldn’t know what I was capable of if I didn’t try entering the contest.” YLHS Mustangs appreciate their teachers, especially those who inspire them to achieve in the arts! Congratulations Lancy, Keira, and Tiffany!