When people start to show artistic talent and ability, it’s usually at a young age… which is exactly what happened for Abigail Olfert.
“I grew up in a home where creativity was greatly encouraged by my parents, so naturally I began to develop my own interests and style in the arts,” says Olfert, a Grade 12 student at NCI. “In Grade Nine, I became enthralled, inspired, and oh so excited to be taught and challenged in an atmosphere bursting with creativity, led by the inspiring art teachers Mr. Clark and Miss Scott. It sparked something within me, and to this day it’s hard to find me without some sort of paint or pencil smudge on my hands and arms, and even sometimes in my hair.”
Although art can take many forms, Olfert prefers working on a canvas. “My personal favourites are painting, with watercolour and acrylic, and drawing,” she adds.
The picture Olfert is holding in the picture carries a lot of personal meaning for the artist. “The painting is that of one of my close friends, Megan Sawatzky. It’s also a take on the WWII ‘We Can Do It!’ poster which I am so fond of, displaying female strength and courage… I like to think of [Megan] as the girl with the strongest heart, and our very own Rosie the Riveter here in Niverville.”
Painting classes have become increasingly popular in the past year. Many people are joining the trend and finding that painting is a very relaxing and enjoyable experience, an opportunity to let one’s creativity run wild. Olfert recently became an art teacher herself, at This Little Light Artistry, a local company run by CD Muckosky.
“My inspiration is mainly sourced from two areas,” Olfert offers. “My faith, as well as the profound mystery that is people.”
As a student about to graduate from high school, the future is very much on Olfert’s mind. “I would love for art to be a part of my future. I’m not sure where exactly, whether a part of my future career or just a hobby, but I know that I can’t not do art, because to me, art has become not only a way of expressing myself but also a place of comfort and peace to take refuge in.”
