Michael Tarantino Concentrates on Urban Destruction in AP Studio Art
Credit: Michael Tarantino
Michael’s drawing of an architectural brace, as part of his urban concentration.
May 6, 2015
Senior artist Michael Tarantino’s interest in art was only realized a few years ago, but he’s already taking AP Studio Art. While many artists may find their passion for drawing while doodling on notepads during class, Michael’s artistic interest was actually sparked in a 3D sculpting class during freshman year.
Even though his enthusiasm for art started in sculpting class, Michael says he didn’t enjoy the hands on aspect of the class. However, Ms. Coble noticed his talent for drawing and suggested that he take studio art instead. In fact, Michael’s artistic talents were so eminent that he was able to skip Intro to Studio Art and jump into the Intermediate class. So in sophomore year, he took Intermediate Studio Art, and he knew that he wanted to continue art in the future.
Now in the AP Studio Art class, Michael has decided to base his concentration on urban settings and the destruction of objects as they’re being built. “My concentration focuses on the reconstruction of society as it deteriorates. Which is why I make my drawings based on an urban and industrial environment. It shows the developing world as the old and warn out pieces of it are taken out of it,” said Michael. Perhaps he decided on this concentration because he lives in the city and he draws from his surroundings for inspiration. His favorite aspect of art is his freedom of expression. Michael said, “[I like it] for the freedom of expression and being able to do whatever I want.”
On top of the hours of homework he has every night, each piece of Michael’s concentration takes him around six to eight hours. When he reaches a challenging spot or he doesn’t know how to do something, it might take even longer. But he says he always manages to find a way to fix it and works through it. “[Studio Art teacher Mark] Green has always been there to give me tips on how to get through my work and to help me push past whatever obstacles I faced,” said Michael.
Besides Mr. Green, Michael looks up to artist Mark Paul Deren. In his words, “Mark Paul Deren is my inspiration, he’s the man.” Deren’s art style is similar to Michael’s concentration because one of his focuses are abstract landscapes.
Michael has dedicated so much time to art in the past few years, and his passion for art has only grown. “I definitely am planning on minoring in studio art or fine arts once I go to college,” he said.