Senior Sophia Basaldua paints herself apart from the rest, in a sea of red and religion. Featuring three vintage gold pendant necklaces that adorn an intricate Catholic cross, Basaldua’s art once again captivates the essence of culture and emotion. Covered in a vibrant blanket of Peruvian heritage and traditional patterns, Basaldua’s painting, “Mi Bodegón,” has gained global recognition.
This past December, out of 80,000 international applicants, Basaldua and 49 other students were inducted into the College Board’s 2024 AP Art and Design Exhibit.
The journey that Basaldua took to achieve this honor was demanding. Not only did she have to work overtime through her independent study — as WHS does not offer AP Art courses — but she also worked endlessly to make meaningful art that had deep emotional connections and was truly an extension of herself.
“There’s a lot of intention behind every piece, every choice, every stroke, every color,” Art Teacher Amanda Procaccino said. “I think when art has a strong personal connection, it tends to be just that much stronger, authentic and meaningful to not only that artist but to those viewing it.”
Basaldua described her painting, “Mi Bodegón,” or “My Still Life,” as an important way to honor her late grandparents and their religious values. “I delve into how necklaces and how heirlooms specifically were a form of healing for me, especially when dealing with loss in my family,” Basaldua said. “I hold these necklaces close, and I like to believe that they are in a happy place where they are comfortable, and so I hope that this painting is helpful to other people experiencing loss.”
When having trouble using words to describe heavy topics such as loss, Basaldua often turns to her paint strokes to fill in the blank spaces. Basaldua said, “When creating a piece I find myself breaking down a million thoughts whether consciously or not. This results in a painting that represents the closest understanding of who I am, even if I can’t fully grasp what that means. But when others see it they can find their own interpretation and, in turn, catch a glimpse of me that I can’t always explain through words.”
After helping Basaldua put her emotions to canvas, Procaccino reflected on the entire process of Basaldua’s portfolio submission to the College Board. Each work relates to the process of healing by tying oneself to their family and culture. “Think about how a river has its tributaries that branch off,” Procaccino said. “It was basically a long journey, and each painting might branch off and go in one direction but then it can circle back…Each piece really grows from the last.”
Basaldua’s acrylic painting is one of many submitted from her portfolio, and will be exhibited alongside her other pieces in the College Board’s online exhibit in February.
An active artist in the Westfield community, Basaldua has showcased her talents in the AddamsFest Wicked Windows, local art showings and even in the train underpasses around the downtown area. She described the recognition and support of the town as a comforting process of showcasing and fueling her art: “I’m so nervous with whatever I do, but I’m always told about the new events that are happening around town. They’re always willing to shine a light on me, and I appreciate that because it has really pushed me to continue doing art.”