Nichole Babiez is a senior at Mundelein High School and her work with acrylic painting won her a $500 scholarship at the Mundelein Arts Festival in early September.
Although digital art is becoming popular, Babiez said she feels more of a connection to the people she depicts when she uses traditional tools instead of a mouse and keyboard.
Q: What do you like to paint?
A: I do a lot of portraits of people, and specifically people I know so that I can capture their personalities. One of them was my best friend Taylor Shanahan. My dad passed away last year and so I did a painting of him. Everyone is different, and everyone has their own way of existing in this world. I want people to say “wow” when they see my work.
Q: What goals do you have for after high school?
A: I don’t know exactly what I want to do, but I want it to be art related because it’s a passion of mine and it keeps me linked to my dad. He was a really big artist on the side. When I was born he sketched a Pooh Bear and a honey pot for me. He was really good at cartooning, and that’s where I got my start. I’m graduating early so I can work more and go to College of Lake County for my gen eds.
Q: What other hobbies do you enjoy?
A: I did softball for two years, but now I work at Crossroads of Ivanhoe four days a week. I also like to read and spend time with people.
Q: What do you like about Mundelein?
A: I like how it’s a tight knit community. Everywhere I go I see someone I know and I love that. The new wing at the high school is incredible. It brings us in line with some of the entrepreneur stuff colleges are doing.
Q: Are there any social issues that are important to you?
A: Feminism. I believe in equality, and more women need to leave their mark on the world. I feel like we get shutdown for such little things.
