By: Soleil Shah
To most people, fuzzy spiders and iridescent beetles are a nightmare. But to Savannah LaVasser, junior at Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS), viewing those creepy crawlies seems like a dream job! LaVasser’s interest in entomology, or the study of insects, has stemmed since she was a little kid. Today, LaVasser incorporates her passion for bugs into another interesting medium: art.
LaVasser has spent three years in sculpture and two years in drawing and is currently taking Portfolio Drawing with Mr. Consunji as well as Portfolio Sculpture with Mrs. L. She often takes inspiration from insects and lets their influence shape her art. In her most recent sculpture project, LaVasser has been working on designing a piece depicting two hands crushing a beehive. Though she is still molding this piece, several of LaVasser’s other pieces have been applauded. “I have had my art displayed in the county art show and I have gotten an honorable mention for the Scholastic art show,” commented LaVasser. She also said, “I love doing mixed media work in sculpture and oil pastels in drawing.” Mixed media art is a visual art form that combines two or more materials in one piece. LaVasser’s artistic flow continues outside the classroom. She recently completed artwork on a surfboard depicting a turtle in blue waters.
“I enjoy skimboarding, surfing, and running. I just really enjoy anything outside,”
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LaVasser’s interest in bugs led her to insect collecting. “I have quite a big collection,” she said. LaVasser’s collection started since she was about seven years old, and it has been growing ever since. LaVasser even practices insect pinning with butterflies and other bugs. This is a method of preserving butterflies on a board with their wings spread for display.
When she is not drawing, painting, sculpting, or insect collecting, LaVasser enjoys spending time outdoors. “I enjoy skimboarding, surfing, and running. I just really enjoy anything outside,” she said. LaVasser has been “running cross country and track since seventh grade” and she “absolutely loves it.” She especially loves the running community stating, “the community is so nice, and our team is like one big family.” LaVasser plans on using art whenever she can after high school and hopes to expand her entomology interest.
Pictured: LaVasser’s artwork
