This month, I had the opportunity to interview the artist behind a local art exhibit, Darlene Chen,who is a senior, about her inspiration behind this event, which took place at the Community House in Hinsdale on Sept. 5, as well as some advice she has for other aspiring young artists.

Chen’s exhibition featured many of her own paintings, which she often spends weeks creating and completing. These paintings included various landscapes, portraits, and still life shots.

“I think my biggest inspiration definitely comes from my environment,” Chen said. “Whether it’s nature or the people I meet, they always inspire me in unexpected ways.” 

Student artist Sophia Jiang, an 8th grade student at Clarendon Hills Middle School, also attended the art exhibit and connected with Chen’s work.

“I really liked how she incorporated different styles into her exhibit, such as watercolor and oil paintings,” Jiang said. “Also, her subjects and ideas were all very creative and unique, such as the painting that I purchased, which featured a person walking out of another person’s mouth! I hope to also create pieces with such creative ideas like this one in the future.”

Chen’s exhibit was also a fundraiser. All proceeds made from her art during this event went to local mental health support center, the Community House’s Counseling Center.

“I’ve always wanted to give back to the community with my art, so I decided to host this exhibition,” Chen said.

A firm believer in the importance of mental health, Chen also added, “My goal was to raise enough to make an impact, and thanks to the support of many, I was able to surpass our set goal.” 

Jiang also admired the idea of the joint event.

“I saw this event as inspiration for myself,” Jiang said.  “I also want to host something like this, especially if it’s for a good cause, when I get older. I really admire how she was able to use something she loved to raise money for something she believed in.”

Chen also adds that her favorite part of the experience was seeing all of her pieces framed, and watching them get sold. “It made me realize how much I’ve accomplished over the past few years,” Chen said. 

Her art pieces are a result of many years of practice and dedication to her craft. Chen has been creating art since she was 5 years old.

“I discovered crayons and pastels and became really fascinated with how many beautiful colors I could make.” Chen said. 

Chen has also taken various different art classes here at Central, which have allowed her to find more inspiration and fine-tune her technique.

“I think continuing to create art in that setting really pushed me to further my skills and creativity,” Chen said. 

Chen also has some advice for other young aspiring artists like Jiang, who want to share their art with others, fundraise for a cause their interested in, or simply keep creating pieces and refining technique.

Using a quote by painter and television personality Bob Ross, Chen said, “Talent is a pursuit of interest. In other words, anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.”