PASSION: Poly student Penelope Crowder attains remarkable accomplishments through an individualized approach in her artwork.
By Dyala Harb, Editor
Although the state of art in high schools has been known to often limit students to a few courses, one student has managed to overcome this form of adversity in her artwork. Penelope Crowder (12) was introduced to art at a young age, and her passion for the subject gradually developed. “When I was little, my mom taught me how to put basic shapes together to make people or animals,” Crowder stated. She continued working to enhance her art, taking art classes throughout middle and high school. Among these classes, she took Art 1-2, Art 3-4 and Ceramics; she is currently taking AP Studio Art at Poly.
“I just keep trying to improve my approach to art, but mainly I just let it happen,” Crowder declared. Crowder admires surrealism— specifically Salvador Dali’s work— and she enjoys painting with acrylics the most. Without a particular inspiration for her artwork, an individualistic approach has proven quite successful for this young artist. Impressed by her work in class, Poly art teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Morrow recommended Crowder to author Christi Macnee as a possible illustrator for Macnee’s upcoming book, “Attitude of Zen-itude: The A to Z Journey for Women.” Morrow saw Crowder as the “perfect” candidate for this opportunity.
In addition to this remarkable achievement, Crowder has successfully developed and maintained a business of painting skateboards. “I’ve always loved skateboarding […] so, when I found a broken board and painted it and people wanted it, I kind of just found my way into more and more business,” Crowder said. Among the many recipients of Crowder’s skateboard artwork is Principal Dr. Michael Roe’s son, Mowgli Roe.
Roe had seen Crowder around campus since his early days at Poly. “I never knew or made the connection that she was as talented as she was as an artist,” Roe said. Upon first seeing her artwork, Roe thought she was “immensely talented,” and her remarkable abilities reminded him of a similar past experience; as an assistant principal at West Valley High School, Roe came across another talented artist, who he then asked to create a portrait of his daughter, Riley Roe.
“[Crowder] is such a perfect example of the Poly kid. […] I love our students, and they all bring a different wealth of talent to the table,” Roe stated. He saw Crowder as “the perfect young lady [for the job],” and as of now, she is in the process of preparing the skateboard. “That’ll be the gift from Santa,” Roe said. He has tremendous confidence in Crowder, as she is free to design the board as she would like. “[Her art] is very raw and it’s very authentic. […] Her shadow self is unbelievably talented,” Roe said.
Crowder hopes to attend an art institute for animation in the near future, as she aspires to be an animator. She believes that she would be most content with a career in art; she isn’t able to envision herself happy with another job. “I’m just generally inspired by art,” Crowder said, and her extraordinary accomplishments through distinctive approaches demonstrate her potential to succeed as she continues her passion.