Yumna Ali is a Columbia Heights High School (CHHS) sophomore who has won the Spotlight in the Arts Award for her piece “Circle of Life.” The Heights Herald recently got the chance to interview her about the achievement, so read on for a transcript:
The Heights Herald: What inspired you to create “Circle of Life”?
Yumna Ali: Something that inspired me to make this piece was nature, specifically the mushrooms that grow on dead logs.
HH: What made you title your piece the way you did?
YA: I titled my piece “Circle of Life” because it shows how a new ecosystem emerges after the previous one dies.
HH: What was the most enjoyable part to work on?
YA: I enjoyed putting on the delicate pieces on the pot and watching it come together.
HH: How did you feel when you first received the award?
YA: When I received the award, I felt very accomplished and proud of myself for putting in the time and effort to create this piece.
HH: Which class did you craft your piece in? Would you recommend the course to other students? Why or why not?
YA: I created this piece in advanced ceramics. I would definitely recommend this class to students. It is a nice break from academic stuff and a creative way to show your emotions.
HH: Going forward, what ideas do you have for other works in the future?
YA: My ideas for the future are creating more functional pieces that I can use every day.
Make sure to check back in the fall for more interviews with CHHS artists! Yumna Ali and The Heights Herald would like to give a shout-out to CHHS’s Advanced Ceramics teacher Ms. Michelle Dietz, who always advocates for her student artists and routinely submits their work for statewide recognition along with the rest of the art department, Mr. Isaac Glidden and Ms. Sarah Honeywell.
