INTERVIEW WITH ATASCADERO GREYHOUND ARTIST,
AUTUMN DICKENSON
Autumn Dickenson is a senior at Atascadero High School who flourishes her passions of art in her free time. She currently is taking AP studio art.
What is your favorite piece of art you have created?
“Oh god, I feel like every time I finish a piece it’s my favorite. It’s part of my completionism mindset, my favorite so far I think has been this flash page of tattoos I’ve drawn up just for fun. That’s why I think everyone should give art an honest try, I find so much enjoyment in art outside of my classroom and I think everyone deserves to experience that feeling.”
What are your inspirations?
“I’m inspired by nature, the environment I’m in has a big impact on how I create. I’ve always been drawn to surrealist and expressionist artists like Francis Bacon and Francisco Goya. I’m inspired by things that are uncanny to the extent that they demand your attention.”
What is your overall artistic process when it comes to making art?
“My artistic process focuses on diving into emotions and themes I can connect, as well as brainstorming via sketches or diagrams. I try to connect the mood of whatever art I’m making to the media I use. I think making art has taught me to be grateful, even in the moments when I’m not feeling 100%, I can channel that into something else and get something out of it instead of letting it drain me.“
What do you plan to do after school?
“I plan to go to Cuesta for my AA and then to Cal Poly Humboldt to get my degree in Forest and Fire Science. I intend to pursue art in my free time and part of my desire to work in a field like forestry is that the environment is beneficial to my art process.”
Is there anything you’d like to say to people that are interested in getting into art?
“I think the best advice I could give for those interested in getting into art is to dive into it without overthinking. Art isn’t about perfection it’s about expression. Experiment with different materials, explore a diverse range of subjects, and always keep creating.“