December Issue III

10
ARts
Artist of the Month:
Maggie Song
Exploring Maggie’s Art World
By ELISE KAIT ‘21
If you are reading this issue of The
Hourglass or any issue from the past
four years, then you have seen some of
the art created by Maggie Song ‘21.
Song is the design editor for The
Hourglass and works tirelessly to produce
beautifully constructed works of art within
each issue. With a strong devotion to
sharing her art with the Baldwin community,
Song also works on two other Upper
School publications: Prism and The Roman
Candle. Additionally, Song likes to
help out in the library by creating displays
and bulletin boards.
While you’ve most definitely seen
some of Song’s studio artwork, she actually
began her artistic career at around three
years of age with ballet, starting piano
soon after, which she continues to play.
Song also played the cello for five
years and has been learning the guzhenga
traditional Chinese instrument- for the
past four years. Song always enjoyed art
classes in elementary school but became
motivated to explore her interest more
intensely in middle school by getting involved
in online art communities, taking
pencil and watercolor classes, or teaching
herself techniques from books or internet
sources.
with many different media.
“I use anything I find myself interested
in trying or want to try! I end up
doing a lot of various things- ink, watercolor,
pencil, acrylic, photography,
sculpture, jewelry,
weaving, sewing,
embroidery, etc.,”
Song said.
Song often
uses her
imagination
as the source
of her drawings
and digital works,
and finds inspiration
for techniques from
both Western
and Eastern
cultural history.
She
says
that,
i n
color and method, she is “mostly influenced
by classic European art (e.g., Baroque,
Rococo, etc.); in subject matter,
there’s a heavy East Asian emphasis, especially
in terms of clothing and features.”
Art is a hobby, a method of relaxation,
a form of expression, and a means to
reflect on self-growth for Song, but
she also emphasizes sharing her
passion for art with her community.
“I think it’s a really nice
feeling to be acknowledged as
‘an artist.’ It happened slowly, but
it’s a way to connect without necessarily
speaking
verbally. It’s increased
a lot
in recent
years, but
sometimes
people
a s k
me to
draw things for them, offer to buy a painting,
or invite me to draw or design something
for fundraising. I try to accept all of
these opportunities because my skills are
being recognized and because I think it’s a
great way of communication and sharing.
In the future, I’d like to find more opportunities
to share and improve my art as well
as use it for greater causes–fundraising,
awareness, etc.,” Song said.
Song embodies a humble and passionate
artistic spirit. She has a hunger to
improve her artistic skills through practice
and experience. Although she considers art
mostly as a hobby, Song hopes to create
products, take on commissions, and maybe
even publish a webcomic in the future.
She plans on keeping up her
musical career as well. Song also
hopes to continue exploring new media
like oil painting, guitar, and other traditional
Chinese instruments such as guqin.
Song is a truly hard-working, talented,
and passionate artist. Her vision for and
commitment to The Hourglass has been
appreciated not only by the staff but also
by every student and faculty member who
has been fortunate enough to see her layouts
and graphic design images.
While
Song’s primary
medium
is photography
and
digital art due
to their ease
and sustainability,
she enjoys
experimenting
Her willingness to
share her art to better
the communities of
which she is a part
is commendable.
Song is an impressive,
multifaceted
artist. On behalf of The
Hourglass staff, I
can say that we
are extremely
grateful to have
her on the team.
Design by Elva Chen ‘22
Graphic and photo courtesy of Maggie Song ‘21