2008 Woodie Awards
Making art in any medium
Karina Sendayen
Issue date: 6/2/08 Section: Features
Lauren Kudo, a 20-year-old De Anza College student, knew she had a passion for art since the day she picked up her first crayon.
She grew up appreciating art and was influenced by her father and grandfather's illustrations. As a child, it was a common sight for neighbors to see her bringing life into the dull gray sidewalks with colorful neon chalk.
But one day in particular brought her to realize that this wasn't just childish sketching, but talent.
Being the only Japanese student in her elementary school, Kudo would frequently visit San Jose's Japan Town to further connect with her culture. Among the tranquil scenery she was inspired to express its serenity on paper. A neighbor who saw the work asked if she would sell it.
"It was very gratifying to get such feedback," says Kudo, who declined the offer but walked away with a realization that her passion could take her somewhere.
Buried with experience in photography, graphic design, drawing and painting, there is a plethora of mediums she's capable of using, and she plans to spend her time at De Anza finding out which one she'll focus on. Once she knows, she plans to attend San Jose State University and enroll in the arts program.
Two of her works were featured in the De Anza art show. Her first piece was titled "Jellofish," a witty project connecting legs onto a Jell-O mold.
Her second piece was titled "Let It Be," which borrowed it's name from the popular Beatles song. This project used a three-piece drawing with a start, middle and end, and it's goal is to express a story of loss and gain when a pregnant wife loses her husband, but is blessed with the baby they share.
"It is a universal message of overcoming hard times," says Kudo, "I felt a deep emotional connection to it."
Outside of her class, Kudo engages in her work differently at home, adding music and good food to the picture, but not literally, of course.
"Good music and good food complement art," says Kudo, who believes art is all about appreciation.
"I enjoy what I do, and it's rewarding to know that I'm creating an interpretation for someone."
So far, she has designed logos for her high school's badminton team, as well as local youth sports teams.
An online company, http://blueteus.com, is considering designs she's pitched.
For Kudo, she's starting off small, but with so much talent, she has all the resources to make it big.
She grew up appreciating art and was influenced by her father and grandfather's illustrations. As a child, it was a common sight for neighbors to see her bringing life into the dull gray sidewalks with colorful neon chalk.
But one day in particular brought her to realize that this wasn't just childish sketching, but talent.
Being the only Japanese student in her elementary school, Kudo would frequently visit San Jose's Japan Town to further connect with her culture. Among the tranquil scenery she was inspired to express its serenity on paper. A neighbor who saw the work asked if she would sell it.
"It was very gratifying to get such feedback," says Kudo, who declined the offer but walked away with a realization that her passion could take her somewhere.
Buried with experience in photography, graphic design, drawing and painting, there is a plethora of mediums she's capable of using, and she plans to spend her time at De Anza finding out which one she'll focus on. Once she knows, she plans to attend San Jose State University and enroll in the arts program.
Two of her works were featured in the De Anza art show. Her first piece was titled "Jellofish," a witty project connecting legs onto a Jell-O mold.
Her second piece was titled "Let It Be," which borrowed it's name from the popular Beatles song. This project used a three-piece drawing with a start, middle and end, and it's goal is to express a story of loss and gain when a pregnant wife loses her husband, but is blessed with the baby they share.
"It is a universal message of overcoming hard times," says Kudo, "I felt a deep emotional connection to it."
Outside of her class, Kudo engages in her work differently at home, adding music and good food to the picture, but not literally, of course.
"Good music and good food complement art," says Kudo, who believes art is all about appreciation.
"I enjoy what I do, and it's rewarding to know that I'm creating an interpretation for someone."
So far, she has designed logos for her high school's badminton team, as well as local youth sports teams.
An online company, http://blueteus.com, is considering designs she's pitched.
For Kudo, she's starting off small, but with so much talent, she has all the resources to make it big.
Be the first to comment on this story