Eva Pace, Arts Editor
@espcourant
Every student artist’s dream is to be able to publish their work in a way so that it can be viewed and valued by the public. For most high school students, this is no small feat. Yet, Junior Eden Neleman’s talent for photography landed her the opportunity to share her artwork in a collage exhibition, titled “The Garden of Eden”, at Bankwell in New Canaan.
Eden’s talent for art stems not only from personal motivation, but also from inspiration from her parents. “I’ve always had the art genes from my parents,” Eden said. “But I really found my love for photography back when I first started using Instagram in 2012.”
Throughout her life, the young artist has been lucky enough to have a strong support system that backs her throughout her goals. One of these leading figures in Eden’s life was her middle school Latin teacher, Wendy Valleau. Yet, the connection goes both ways, and Ms. Valleau discussed how Eden stood out from an early age as a motivated student. “Among the stellar students in our class, none shone more brightly than Eden,” she said. “Her intelligence, wit, and exemplary work ethic brought her great success and a leading position in our jolly little Latin family.”
This work ethic is something that Eden brings into her artwork as well, and it opens many doors for her. Eden’s early connection to social media is what landed her a spot at Bankwell for her exhibition. “The owner of the Bank actually found me through Instagram,” she said. “She loved my work, and gave me the opportunity to have an exhibition.”
Yet, despite her photographical background, Eden wanted to do something a little different for this showing. Using self-portraits as a starting point, she collaged dozens flowers and firs onto her body to blur the line between man and nature. “I was inspired by a vintage book of flowers I had found at a flea market a while ago,” Eden said.
Once she got to working, Eden was surprised at how easily the art flowed out of her. “It was a pretty quick process,” she said. “I finished around 16 pieces in a month.”
What she found most difficult throughout the process was the logistical aspect of being an artist. “I thought the hard part was going to be making the art itself,” Eden said. “But sending out invites and creating and sharing a public relations statement was what proved to be the most challenging part of the whole experience.”
In the end, it was clear that all of Eden’s hard work was for the best. After receiving a sizeable crowd including supportive family and friends, people’s reactions to the exhibit were overwhelmingly positive. “Many of my friends, teachers, and art lovers came to see what I had made,” Eden said. “Even my art teachers from the middle school made an appearance. I sold all the pieces, and a lot of people bought prints of their favorites.”
One of the many admiring faces in the crowd was none other than Ms. Valleau, and she expressed her awe at seeing Eden’s talent finally be publicized. “I was humbled to be in the presence of a nascent talent now blossoming into public view,” Ms. Valleau said. “In so many ways, the beauty Eden has made visible is a true reflection of her own lovely and gentle soul.”
Eden experienced a feeling unlike any other in having the opportunity to see so many of those close to her, including Ms. Valleau, view her art. “It made the night when Ms. Valleau came,” Eden said. “She has a way of making students feel like their accomplishments are worthwhile, and she definitely made the opening night special.”
Beyond the support of family and friends, Eden was pleased to have such a positive response to her artwork by strangers and the opportunity to make new connections. “Numerous people struck up conversation with me, curious if I could create a collage with a photo of their children,” Eden said. “I also met so many interesting people in the art world – connections that I think will last me a lifetime.”
Eden plans to continue studying art in college, but to her, the practice is so much more than just a career path. “Personally, I find it calming and I’d miss not having a creative outlet,” Eden said. “Whether I major or minor in photography, I will continue to always have my camera on me, and make collages in my free time.”
