Young Artists Head Back To School At Louisiana’s Arts Conservatory NOCCA

Student Spotlight | Esme’ Gervais

Esme’ Gervais | Visual Arts

As NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) opens its doors for the 2018-2019 school year for hundreds of students from across the state, take a moment to learn more about a young artist who is making it happen at the prestigious arts school.

Interview with student Esme’ Gervais, 9^th Grade Visual Arts |NOCCA Full-Day Academic Studio from Mandeville, LA

When did you notice your passion for visual arts? How did you first get introduced to your craft? 

My interest for visual arts was brewed from a little bit of support, inspiration, and stubbornness. Before I was even in school, my mom had a lot of oil and acrylic paintings dotting our house, half due to hobby, and the other being business. I remember seeing a painting of an underground train and suddenly thinking that I ought to try art for myself. After looking at my  train drawing, I tried again and again for pretty much the whole day, dedicating myself to becoming a good artist. I’d like to say I never stopped trying, and probably won’t ever.

How have you started preparing for your arts training?

Throughout the summer, I’ve dabbled in lots of different media I didn’t have much time for previously. Despite drawing being my media of choice, I’ve fallen in love with watercolor and acrylic painting. For my inspiration, I’ve been looking at a lot of other artist’s work and reading like crazy. Before the school year starts, I want to fill up my sketchbook with lots of art that I had fun making, so that I can look back anytime I’m feeling frustrated and remember why I’m here.

What is your goal for the next school year? Your next four years at NOCCA?

My main goal at NOCCA is to learn about not just my own discipline, but about other arts, too. I can’t think of a better chance to be around so many skilled people so casually other than at such a school! I think a good goal would be to trade numbers with at least one person from each discipline and get better at actually staying in touch. For my four-year goal, I want to get a job where I can use my skills and really stand out to the art community.

How far are you traveling to NOCCA? Why are you committed to training at NOCCA?

I will be travelling about 35 miles to get to school every day, a distance that I’ll admit I didn’t consider as much in my excitement when applying to NOCCA. However, I am determined to get up every day and go to school, because I’ve dedicated so much of my life to my art. I’m not about to duck out when I’ve come this far and wait another year or more to pursue my dream. It takes a lot to say you don’t know if all this time will go to waste, but it takes a lot more to say you won’t try.