Another Science Without Borders® Challenge has come to a conclusion. We received over 600 pieces of artwork from 38 different countries, each a unique and individual piece portraying Why Coral Reefs Matter. Once again, I’m in awe at the artistic abilities of our youth. These students inspire me to want to do more for our ocean. And I truly believe that no public service announcement can deliver the message in such a direct, meaningful, and visually impactful way as much of this artwork does. We are extremely proud to present these fantastic works of art to the world; however, we would be remiss if we didn’t also present a quick glimpse into the minds and personalities of their distinguished and talented creators, and what inspires the magic they so effectively put onto paper. Now, it is my pleasure to introduce you to our 2018 Science Without Borders® Challenge high school winners.
Selena Yang, 1st Place Winner
Q: How many times have you entered our Science Without Borders® Challenge?
A: I was ecstatic when I found out that I won, especially because this was my first Science Without Borders® Challenge.
Q: Why did you enter the Science Without Borders® Challenge?
A: I came across this contest online and found it interesting because I had just learned about coral reefs in my Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science Class. While I came across this Science Without Borders® Challenge, I connected ideas that I learned from my Environmental Science class and the message I wanted to convey.
Q: How did you create your art piece for the Science Without Borders® Challenge?
A: Before creating my artwork, I researched coral reefs, specifically endangered fishes, turtles, and other organisms. Then I created a piece of art that personifies a mother earth-like figure, symbolizing the last coral reef. I wanted her to be surrounded by a vast, empty dead ocean to contrast life and death. My best friend Allie, helped by modeling for me.
By Selena Yang, Age 16
United States
Q: Besides art, do you have any other hobbies and/or are you involved in other school activities, such as sports?
A: I am also involved in Martin Luther King High School’s engineering program. There, I am also the public relations officer for the Women Engineering Club and the Speech Captain for the Speech and Debate Club. On my free time, I volunteer at Discovery Cube, a children’s science museum.
Q: How did you start making art?
A: My mom liked to teach me art was I younger and it is the main foundation for my art skills. When I was five my mom went through a whole entire art book, step by step, teaching me how to draw dolphins, people, and architecture. My dad, who is a plant cell biologist, also inspires my artwork. Having a scientist as a dad helps me to create paintings that are theoretically and scientifically accurate. I recently did a 12-piece art portfolio in the shape of a puzzle, inspired by my dad and history class. My artwork combined science, humanities, and art to demonstrate how everything in the universe is connected.
Q: Do you plan to pursue a career in art or science? If so, how?
A: When I was a child my mom taught me art and science. I plan to pursue a career that combines art and science somewhat like architecture. I recently did an internship at an architecture firm and it has inspired me to pursue a career along the lines of design and engineering.
Xinyue Du, 2nd Place Winner
Q: How many times have you entered our Science Without Borders® Challenge?
A: This is my first time entering Science Without Borders® Challenge.
Q: Why did you enter the Science Without Borders® Challenge?
A: When I first heard about the Science Without Borders® Challenge, I had no interest to enter at all. I knew nothing about the topic and I didn’t want to spend time researching it when I already had a busy schedule. One day, I started doing research about coral reefs, and I began to understand the reason behind the contest. I knew more about how important coral reefs are to the nature and to human beings, and how much we are hurting them. Then I realized, that I could at least use what I am good at to express my thoughts and concerns. That is why I entered the Science Without Borders® Challenge.
Q: What inspired you to create your art piece for the Science Without Borders® Challenge?
By Xinyue Du, Age 16
United States
A: The portfolio that I was making for my art class in school inspired me to create my art piece for the challenge. They have the same style. Also, there are a lot of ways that coral reefs impact human life and vice versa, so I thought it would be better to combine them together into one piece. Therefore, I created an imaginary coral world.
Q: Besides art, do you have any other hobbies and/or are you involved in other school activities, such as sports?
A: I also like playing guitar. I am involved in tennis and badminton.
Q: Why do you make art?
A: I make art because I can find joy in the process. Art brings me peace and clears my mind, and it is a really good way of releasing stress.
Q: Do you plan to pursue a career in art or science? If so, how?
A: I am not sure about my future career direction yet, but it will definitely be related to art or design. I will keep creating art, not only because I might need the skill in the future, but also because it makes me happy.
Diana Vasileva, 3rd Place Winner
Q: How many times have you entered our Science Without Borders® Challenge?
A: This is the first time that I have entered the Science Without Borders® Challenge.
Q: Why did you enter the Science Without Borders® Challenge?
A: To be honest, when I found this contest, my goal was to improve my artistic and creative abilities and try to win the contest. But when I began to learn about these amazing creatures, I was really upset by how critical the situation is. I have entered in Science Without Borders® Challenge because I really care about the fate of corals.
Q: What inspired you to create your art piece for the Science Without Borders® Challenge?
A: I was inspired by the idea that by drawing, I really can help corals, despite the fact that I come from faraway Siberia. My heart is warmed by the idea that not only was I helping corals, but also my friends, acquaintances and teachers.
By Diana Vasileva, Age 16
Russian Federation
Q: Besides art, do you have any other hobbies and/or are you involved in other school activities, such as sports?
A: I also dance and play the flute.
Q: Why do you make art?
A: I paint because I like it and I like to express my thoughts on paper. And how do I influence the consciousness of people, if not through art? I tried to do this in my artwork.
Q: Do you plan to pursue a career in art or science? If so, how?
A: I plan to pursue a career in art. I plan to be an architect because art plays an important role in this profession.
Coming soon – Meet our 2018 Science Without Borders® Challenge middle school winners.
