Germany & Japan
Artist: (Germany) & Evan Doane (Japan)
Artist Statement:
For me, becoming a public artist stretches far beyond the recognition and legacy that often follows; through this project, I proved to myself that having experience, although helpful, is rarely a necessity for creating unique art. Prior to taking art class at my school, I had never been confident in my ability to draw; such projects were challenging for me, demanding creativity that I struggled to produce. My doubts were only augmented through growing up with an artistically talented sister; the stunning pieces she created on a weekly basis were of a different caliber, one that was beyond my reach. Even so, I searched to replicate my own ingenuity and step away from my comfort zone of analytical thinking. I painstakingly designed my piece not with the intention of being selected as a finalist, but to remind myself of the creative side I had suppressed for many years. Having the freedom to choose cultural motifs and present them with no particular guidelines, I viewed this as an excellent opportunity to showcase the artistic development I gained from Art I. Upon consulting with my Japanese language teacher, I drew upon every skill covered in class to create a cohesive and accurate piece that represented Japan, but one that also maintained my distinctive (and perhaps amateur) drawing style. Having my art selected for public installation was truly a special moment for me. It removed my doubts concerning my artistic ability, the ones that stemmed from my logical mindset; it convinced me that even with minimal practice, one can yield truly unique pieces from the heart. I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to share my art with the community of Watsonville, and I sincerely hope it will inspire others to embrace their inner artist.
-Evan Doane
Sponsorship available
Current and Former residents of Watsonville that share this mix cultural heritage of Germany and Japan:
- Baumgartner
- Cantos
- Garcia
- Hayahibara-Wayne
- Hirokawa
- Kegebezn
- Kimara
- Kubo
- Mine
- Mizuno
- Moreno
- Ruiz
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