The Thunder Bolt

From the earliest memories, Kara was always drawing or sketching. It wasn’t until eighth grade, during the isolation of COVID, that art became a more intentional pursuit. Anime served as a gateway, motivating the learning of fundamentals such as perspective, form, and character copying. Even then, art class was not a favorite; it was actively disliked and only after a few months of casual drawing did Kara decide to sign up for art in High School.

Once finally enrolled in Art 1 in High School, Kara began emailing the teacher, Mr. Green, for tips and feedback. Despite doubts about skill level, Mr. Green’s encouragement—promising placement in advanced art based on enthusiasm and effort—became a pivotal confidence boost. “Looking back, I know it definitely wasn’t that good,” Kara reflects, “but that’s what made me want to draw more.” This early validation, though now seen as generous, sparked a serious pursuit of art.

Artistic growth accelerated when summer programs were sought to build a college portfolio. Attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) for an advanced projects program proved life-changing. There, experimentation with scale and media pushed boundaries beyond the comfort zone. SAIC’s facilities opened doors to sculpture, cyanotype, 3D work, laser cutting, and plaster installation. “That experience of being like, ‘this is what an artist would do if I were to continue this path’—I really enjoyed that,” Kara recalls. The freedom and challenge of the program revealed the possibilities of an artistic future, even while uncertainty about committing to art full-time remained.

Although Kara’s foundation was in drawing and painting, interests gradually shifted toward photography and digital art. The first real experience with a camera came at SAIC, where equipment could be rented and peers provided guidance. A film festival project introduced event photography, leading to seeking gigs through local music forums and Facebook groups. “I’m really new. I haven’t been doing this for a long time at all,” Kara admits, but a willingness to practice and experiment has already led to rapid growth. Photography and digital art now take precedence, though drawing remains a part of the creative process.

Kara’s approach to art balances technical skill with conceptual exploration. The importance of learning the rules is acknowledged—“Art has rules. You can’t break the rules unless you know them”—while intentional rule-breaking and open-mindedness are also valued. Being an artist means constantly asking, “What could I do to make this better?” and seeking honest critique.

Critique is considered essential for growth. “No matter how good I think I am, I always can be better,” Kara says. The AP Art experience, especially in environments where everyone was passionate and engaged, reinforced the value of feedback and community. Technical challenges remain, but it’s clear that being an artist is as much about mindset and creativity as it is about relentless practice. Reflecting on the AP Art journey, Kara is proud of resourcefulness, especially a video piece made from 18 sheets of paper improvised to meet last-minute exhibition requirements.

A deep curiosity exists about the intersection of art, philosophy, politics, and technology. Thinking about how art influences and is influenced by society is a favorite pastime, with fascination for shifts caused by new technologies. The invention of the camera fundamentally changed art’s direction; now, AI is seen as the next great disruptor. “AI art is a good thing, it’s just the ethics and the way it was built was bad,” Kara explains, expressing both excitement and caution about the future. As a self-described tech nerd with a background in computer science, interest lies in how human creativity will differentiate itself in an era of increasingly sophisticated AI.

Goals are both personal and collective. The hope is to work in concert and sports photography, ideally for organizations like Live Nation or Madison Square Garden. There is satisfaction in seeing photos shared and in capturing moments that bring joy to others. Conceptually, drawings and digital work serve as self-reflection and boundary-breaking, exploring themes like death and identity. Being part of the ongoing conversation about art’s place in a changing world, especially as technology evolves, is a strong aspiration.

Kara will attend NYU’s Steinhardt School, majoring in Studio Arts. NYU was chosen for its balance of strong arts programs and opportunities to study other fields like psychology and technology. Excitement builds for New York’s vibrant art and music scene, its galleries, street art, and the chance to be surrounded by creativity. There is also interest in the societal impact of art, with potential exploration of AI ethics or arts education in the future.

Advice to aspiring artists is honest and sensible: “Just draw whatever you want. Have fun and enjoy it.” A caution is offered against turning art into a sole source of income too early, warning that relying on creativity for financial stability can be draining and may deplete the joy from the process. Instead, young artists are encouraged to keep art as a passion, pursue it alongside other interests, and never lose sight of the fun and freedom that drew them to it in the first place. “You can do art with anything, and there’s art in every place you can imagine.” For Kara, art is a way of thinking—a means of connecting technology and society. The pursuit is ongoing, marked by a commitment to pushing boundaries both personally and for the broader art community.

As Concordia’s graduating artists step into the next chapter of their creative journeys, the impact of Mike Green’s leadership is unmistakable. His vision and dedication have not only elevated the art program to new heights but have also instilled in students the confidence and skills needed to succeed. The acceptance of this year’s seniors into top-tier institutions like Pratt, RISD, Parsons, and NYU stands as a testament to what can be achieved when mentorship, rigor, and passion come together. As these young artists embark on their own paths, they carry forward a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations at Concordia Hanoi.