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The people in the picture are the Founder Andre Wiley (the lion), Co-Founder Will Thomas (the wolf), and their student Rashaun Williams (the ram), they are the leaders of the Shinobi Traceurs, and in second rank of the Shinobi Traceurs is Tyreé Wright (the dragon). Shinobi by definition is a covert agent specializing in the art of stealth and combat. Traceurs by definition is a practitioner of Parkour, the art of displacement, overcoming physical obstacles in one's environment. Combine the two, and you have the essence of the Shinobi Traceurs.

I decided to draw them because I think what they do is really cool and I wanted to draw a picture of them to show off that coolness using my artistic talents. 

For the final step of my blog post I decided to trace my steps for this project to revisit and redesign my first blog post.   I realized that the reason the congressman I was trying to reach wouldn’t respond was most likely because I didn’t present my information in a fashion that was both interesting and compelling, so I have decided to “start again” and reconfigure this so I can make progress in a different way.

            My idea is to convince the Politian’s to keep the minimal drinking age 21 and not raise it as they had previously planned to.  Although it may seem like a mute cause, its something I feel is worth fighting for, and will once again establish my opinion on the matter.

            Previously, I had tried to get in touch with congress through emails.  It was less than successful.  I have decided that this time around I will take a more direct approach by gaining the attention of my peers in a similar age group and getting them to commit to the cause themselves.  Alone, one can accomplish something but together we can accomplish many more things.  

I used things I heard around me as well as some of my favorite expressions as inspiration. It was difficult to find photos to mesh together to make what I saw in my head. When I decided on the expressions to use, I had to sit down and think about what they really meant. From there, I envisioned a scene or collection oh photos to fit into the words. All the photos I used were from Wikicommons. 

The process consisted of deciding on the phrases, finding the photos and arranging the pieces. It was quite to easy to pick the phrases. After that, I had to search the internet to find pictures that suited the scene I had pictured in my head. Through this process, I had to familiarize myself with public domain as well as several Creative Commons Licenses. One I had the photos the real fun started. I twisted, turned, cropped and flipped each picture many ways. I tried out all different fonts, sizes and colors. The fonts, I chose fitting typefaces and in most pieces used color-matching for the photos and fonts. 

​                                        SHOW SOME LOVE!!!!!!!!!

         For my quarter 2 benchmark i took a picture of the Love Park sign. Love Park is a place in Philadelphia were you can come and hangout with friends. Love Park is as known for being a home for the homeless it is unfortunately true because there are a lot of homeless people who live there.
         One of the reasons why this picture means a lot to me is because it is in Philadelphia and I am from Philadelphia so I feel as though because I am a Philadelphian it is necessary for me to know what it is and where it is.
         Another reason why this picture means a lot to me is because Love Park is known for being a great a place to skateboard. And as a skateboarder I have been there a lot so I can skateboard. Unfortunately it is now illegal to skateboard there now so the Love Park sign also represents a "Rest In Peace" sign.

In conclusion I feel that Love Park defines Philadelphia because Philadelphia is called the city of Brotherly Love and the key word in that is “LOVE”.

Artist Statement #2

1/13/11

            Origami as a whole is an interesting and creative art. It focuses on structure building and folding techniques that add up, giving the art piece all it’s magnificent details and realistic qualities. During the second quarter of the school year I wanted to incorporate origami in a form of a sculpture, to be shown as a prop or a decoration. Starting off with the design and blueprint of the sword, I then went on to create the necessary materials to create my sculpture using scrape printer paper.

            To start this project I had to find something I could get inspired to build. Looking at multiple designs I choose to create a prop sword from one of my favorite Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game, Runescape. In the game it features a great sword created by one of the Runescape Gods, a powerful great two-handed sword with the power to strike down foes with lighting under the name of Saradomin. It was something I’d really enjoyed from the game and I thought I create it as a cosplay item for my own self-enjoyment.

            Looking at a picture of the sword I started creating the blueprints for the sword. It was an easy process to do as I just simply scaled down the sword to a size I believe was right. Creating a 1ft handle with a 3ft blade that totaled a 4ft design for the sword. But also using a protractor to get the angles of the sword so that it precisely reflects the sword, it’s details, cuts, and distinct sharpness. Then it was on to the process of planning every single detail that I was going to do and how I was going to do it.   

            In order to make the prop I first had to create the material needed to create the structure and fame of the sword. Some call this glued paper layers of a single printer paper but I know it as harden paper because it is much harder then card stock. To make this material, the materials needed are glue, printer paper, and a waiting time of about twenty-four hours to dry. First step was to fold the paper precisely in half or the piece would be crooked, then applying a layer of glue, and finally repeating that process on the same paper, making sure that it is flat and there are no air bubbles. Last step was drying it under a large object such as a book for twenty-four hours as it tends to warp during the drying process.

            After the harden paper became harden, I started building the structure of the sword. Adding on layers of harden paper to a point in which it could hold its own weight and in the form of a T shape. On the structure of the sword I drew an outline of the sword with a pencil, protractor, and ruler until it fit the designs of my blueprint. Using two small long sticks as support on both sides of the sword it became clear how sturdy and balanced the sword will become and it was time for the final part. Covering the wooden support in a matter where it shows the thickness and detailed parts of the sword. Afterward getting assistance from a fellow classmate, Natalie Sanchez to paint the sword mainly due to the reason that I’m not a descent painter. Combing multiple shades of yellow and silver that truly brings out the brightness and power of the god sword.

            Through this experience, I’ve learned a lot about my abilities and creating art. This was a memorable experience as I combined two different kind of art together into one form. Such as I made it a home project to work on none stop, where one time I was up still working until 3 a.m. and during Thanksgiving. Which I’ve truly enjoyed this process and this opened a new window for my next home art project that I’ve already started.   

Vichhay Roeung

Artist Statement #1

            My name is Vichhay Roeung, and I am junior at Science Leadership Academy. We were asked to build something we enjoyed or dreams of out of recyclable material. My sketches started out as simple lines, doodles, about what I wanted to make. What is there to know about me is that I enjoy learning about war, the history, the political standards, and especially the weapons of that time. At the time I was still hook on this new video game Halo Reach, that’s where I was inspired to make a sword. Which was not just because I’m Asian, I just happen to own a sword of my own to use as a model. But as the process went on I though I should challenge myself make a working light saber because I’ve always wanted to be a Jedi, “may the force be with me,” This is why I am an Artist.

            When building the light saber, I looked around for materials I could use. I didn’t plan for what I was going to do. Maybe I should have but I didn’t because I imagined what I going to do piece by piece. It may not had been a potential plan but we needed to use our imagination more often or we will never be able to create something wonderful without the creativity and far reaching goals of imagination. Nothing really goes as plan so I didn’t expect my art to be perfect but I expect it to express me. The way I made my light saber handle shine blue in the dark or with a different shrine the color changes to an orange glow for the plastic section.

            At first I knew I wanted the light saber to be authentic so there had to be a light source so that it can shrine and be like an actual light saber. I started with the handle; the handle consists of two-laundry cap, which I covered with the construction paper that holds toilet paper. But what kind of handle would it be without something that helps as a grip for the light saber so duck taped. Which worked well in giving a grip like feel to it but also an authentic look as if it was a piece of cloth on it. Now it was time for the difficult task using something that the light could shrine through but also a cylinder. Which was the reason I choose plastic bottles. I tried many ways to attach them together but it didn’t work. First was using staples, which gave no support as did glue. As a last resort I used duck tape, the only other way to attach them would be heating them together but I highly doubt I’m allow to because it involves fire.

            The light saber right now is pretty amazing. It glows; it’s durable, and it fluent in it’s movement when I do stunts with it. All in all it was fun making it and now I got a light saber. My technique in this art was simple, just create and fix later. I actually plan on adding more, adding transparent paper so the light will be trapped more in the bottle but also look more processional.

            I really hope to build on from this experience. My life’s goals from art are really just to make an energy sword from the video game Halo and my art career is finish. I saw my mistakes, the problems that came up, and even the solutions that I came up with to fix it. Such as this was truly a wonderful experience because it was building something about me, something I could use to express who I am and what I enjoy.     

For the second marking period I didn’t know what to do until one day I was so angry that I wanted to draw how angry I was. I realize I need something to do for the art and I thought that I should draw about my feelings. The first picture is about how I wanted to go back to Africa while I was talking to my friends from Africa. The flowers next to it are one of my favor flowers from Africa. The second picture was drawled before taking a math quiz and the only way I would have remember one of the question on the quiz was by drawing it. The third picture was drawled the day I realize my block is a long block. Since I live at the end of the block and every time I walk up the block I feel like I’m walking a mile. The fourth picture was drawing the day I got my history benchmark, I felt like I was in hell because I didn’t know what to do but then when I was done with the benchmark I was so happy that I felt like I was in heaven an that’s my definition of heaven and hell. When the fifth was drawing when I went back to the middle school I used to attend and I saw some of the pictures I toke during middle schooling and I want to redraw them into one picture. The last picture was drawled the last day this project to was due because I want to sign off, that I’m done with is project. I really enjoy doing this project because I got to   draw how I felt most of the time and every time I draw my feelings I feel good about it. With or without this project I will continue drawing my feelings.

            I slowly strolled down the vacant and wide hallway, carefully making my way down the small steep, still no one in sight. ‘I must be a few minutes early’, I thought to myself.  I then sit down, pull out my laptop, and opened Microsoft word. I hit the play button not sure what song will play, then I hear the instrumental of the song “Got Your Back” by T.I. featuring Keri Hilson. The smooth repeating beats started to play. As I hear the beats I started to write, not stopping to think but off the top of my head. I then felt a soft motion on my back. I pause the music and turn around to see one of my friends.

“Hey”

‘’Hey”

“What’s up?”

“Nothing much. Just listening to music.” My friend then looked over my head at my paper. She’s picked it up and started to read it.

“You writing a rap?”

“Yeah, why?”
“Nothin’, I just didn’t knew you rapped.”

“Not really. It’s just poetry I write and if I find a beat to match it then I rearrange the words.”

“Yo Bre.”
“Yea”

“Why you write so proper?”

“What do you mean?”
“Like you write the whole word out. Going, it’s ‘pose to be gonna, trying to be is ‘pose to be trynna be. If you supposed to be rapping you gotta rap like you black. Can’t use all these full and proper words. It don’t sound right. You sound so white.”

As she said those words, I thought about how I wrote and tried to relate it to how I talk. If I was doing the same thing but saying it out, the lyrics would have sounded a lot differently than how I would have written on paper.

In the words of James Baldwin, “It goes without saying, then, that language is also a political instrument, means, and proof or power. It is the most vivid and crucial key to identity: It reveals the private identity, and connects one with, or divorces one from, the larger, public, or communal identity.” What he’s saying is that people use different languages or dialogues in their multiple environments. This can also be known as code switching.

Growing up, my primary language was English, but since I am also Hispanic I also heard Spanish all around me. When I first started school, I was put into a Spanish Immersion Program where all my classes were taught in Spanish. When I was little I began to say small words like hola = hello, agua = water, and padre = father. I had taken the Spanish immersion classes until 5^th grade. I felt as though I had an advantage of everybody because I grew up hearing and beginning to speak Spanish.

A time when there was conflict dealing with my language was when I was in Spanish class in 7^th grade. No one was paying attention in class except for a few classmates and I. The next class period people who I haven’t even met before started to come and ask me to help with the Spanish homework. I asked them why me? They replied “because you’re Spanish you’re supposed to know this stuff.” Hearing that comment made me say no and continue to say no to anyone who asks me in the future. Not only are you stereotyping because of my race but you’re also assuming that since I talk Spanish in class, I talk it every single second of the day.

Another time there was a conflict with my language was when my friends and I were hanging out. There were a few business people walking around our school, and I was talking I guess you can say “ghetto”.

“Yo brov” said Person 1.

“What’s up man? Yo Bre” replied Person 2.

“Hey” I said.

“Whatsup witchu? Person 1 said.

“Nothin’ much, just chillin. Haven’t seen you in a minute.”

“Yeah I know. Been getting that bread.”

“O ok. You better be.”

From just hearing my voice and looking at me they assumed that I was unintelligent, loud, and unproper. But what they didn’t know what that I had to perform a welcome speech in front of them.

Once they saw me again about to perform my speech, I saw this look on their face. It looked as if their face was saying, 'she's going to act the same way she had before" But once I started speaking with a lot of new vocabulary that isn't on my grade level, my grammar, and the way my voice echoed throughout the auditorium, they looked and seemed shocked. As if they didn't think I could talk and act just like them. Caucasian, businessmen and businesswoman who has excellent vocabulary, speech, dialect, and can persuade an entire audience. I was just like them, the only different is my skin tone, race, and I'm a whole lot younger.

According to James Bolding, “language, also, far more dubiously, is meant to define the other—and, in this case, the other is refusing to be defined by a language that has never been able to recognize him” 

Language is a helpful way to see the personality or intelligence of the person speaking. It cannot completely define a person but it can show you where someone came from and the way they carry yourself.

Never forget where you came from and what makes you, you.

“How is the family?” my father asked my Uncle Lyee

“ Good, we in America how bad can it be?” Uncle Lyee replied with a laugh.

“Where are the kids?” My father asked.

“ FATiMAAAAAA and HAWAAAA!” Uncle Lyee yelled out my cousins’ names but they didn’t answer or come so he told me that they were in their room and I should go and call them. My father reacted to the way my uncle spoke to me but said nothing. My uncle spoke to me in English but my father thought he was going to talk to me in Mandingo.

 “ Hey, Uncle Musa!” Fatima and Hawa greeted my father in English.

“How are you guys?” my father asked in Mandingo.

“ Good, we didn’t know you guys were here.”  Before they could finish their sentence, I kept tapping their feet so they would answer my father in Mandingo but they didn’t understand the message.

“You guys don’t know how to speak Mandingo anymore?” my father asked, angry.

 “What do you mean Uncle Musa?” Fatima asked my father in English again.

My father told her that this is exactly what he was taking about. Every time he asked them something, they always answered him in English. Then he turned to my uncle and asked him why his children responded in English when a person is talking to them in Mandingo? My uncle didn’t have an answer to the question. My father also said that no family of his is going to avoid their native language for another language, whether you like it or not, just because it is what everyone around you speaks. He also told my uncle that kids would not know the importance of their native language until the parents show their child that their language matters. Mandingo is not taught in the school they go to but English is, so kids can’t learn Mandingo anywhere else but home and if he doesn’t speak Mandingo to his children no one else would. From that day on my uncle spoke Mandingo in his house.

 One day after school one of my American friends, Jennifer, and I came into my house to do our homework. We met my father in the house. My friend and I greeted him in English. He noticed that I didn’t want to speak Mandingo because I was with my friend, but he ignored it. Jennifer and I started talking about how our day was while we were doing our homework.

“ You and Maya weren’t at lunch today,” I said to Jennifer.

“ Yeah we was,” Jennifer replied.

Out of nowhere my father asked Jennifer what she had said.

“I said we was….” Jennifer repeated nervously.

Then my father told her that she should never say, “we was” because it is not proper English. The right way is “we were” not “we was.” From that day on Jennifer never said, “we was” again. Even if she was about to say it, she stopped herself then said “we were.”

When Jennifer left, my father told me that he had to talk to me about something, Even though I knew what the conversation was going to be about, I still acted like I had no idea. He said that he noticed I didn’t want to speak Mandingo because Jennifer was here. I told him yes.  He said if I would have spoken Mandingo in front of Jennifer she would have been amazed and would have wanted to learned how to speak it because she only knows one language which is English that she can’t even speak proper. He said that I should be lucky I know more than one language because most children in America speak one, and half of them don’t even speak it properly. What makes me different from most of them is where I’m from and the language I speak.

James Baldwin said, “My ‘home’ tongues are the languages I speak with my sister and brothers. ” This shows that he code switches and he feels like he doesn’t have to talk to everyone the same way. The world may not understand his home language  but it is not for the world to hear. It is for his brother and sister to hear and understand.

I feel like James Baldwin and I share this quote because my sisters, my brother and I no longer speak French because we were so busy speaking English in the house. When my father noticed it, he told us that he brought us to this country to learn, but also not to forget everything we knew. He said he allows us to speak English in the house because he didn’t know it was going to get in the they way of the other two language that we speak. Learning a new language doesn’t mean trashing the old one. It just means you are capable of speaking three languages and not that many people are able to do that. Although we can’t speak French anymore my parents still speak it and Mandingo to us, Luckily we still know how to speak Mandingo! From that day on to now we are not allowed to speak English in the house.

How I wish I could look back to understand
Back to when lives were taken
Back to when families were separated
Back to when children were murdered
I wish I could have helped to same them
I wish I could have tried to understand this senseless taking of human life, they were no different than you or I
They did not deserve this pain, this torture
I wish I could look back to understand, to set lives free to learn their pain and frustration
Trying to understand;
I can hear their screams, I can hear their pain, I can hear their fear
I can hear a mother’s cry when children are shot down
Oh, that pain so great, so terrible
I can smell the odor, the odor of burning human life
I can smell the sweat, the sweat of hard labor
I can smell the fear, such an atrocity
I can see footage today, trying to learn what had happened to them
I watch the films today, trying to comprehend the pain they went through
We all see the pictures, watch the torture just trying to imagine this tragedy
But the fact is we can’t, unless our human life undergoes this
These poor people, my heart cries out but there is nothing I can do
Oh, please hear me. I am so sorry this had to happen to you
You time is, now, it is here, time o treat, time to be reunited and live everlasting in that great kingdom called HEAVEN