Arts Student of the Week: Cora Lincoln

Niwot High senior Cora Lincoln is motivated by musicians, painters, family and social media to create her unique art. Recently, she has been inspired by graffiti artists such as Banksy and Keith Haring. "Their political voices are tremendous and speak a lot to the whole point of art - to make people think," Lincoln said. "They draw attention to issues in society and bring a voice to those that don't have one."

Lincoln is also influenced by musicians such as Mommy Long Legs and Bikini Kill. "Their loud and proud political views are inspiring and bold in a way I hope to communicate through my art in the future. Bikini Kill in particular, helps empower women and has inspired many young women."

Lincoln finds great inspiration from her brother. "From a young age, he drew, wrote music, and sang. Currently, he continues to write music ("Box Head" on Spotify) about the queer experience and mental health. He's an inspiration I have always looked up to, and continue to admire as he grows as a person and a musician."

Crystal Hinds, Art Educator at NHS, selected Lincoln as Arts Student of the Week. "Cora came to Niwot in her ninth grade year and has taken her artistic and academic career very seriously," Hinds said, "always looking to go the extra mile when necessary to achieve her desired goal."

Lincoln sees a lot of artists on social media that have helped her develop her own style and techniques in an array of artwork. Hinds, however, has arguably influenced her the most. "Ms. Hinds has pushed me to become better and improve in all stages of my art career," Lincoln said. "She continues to push me outside of my comfort level, even when I don't want to. Ms. Hinds is an incredible artist and teacher."

Lincoln feels NHS has provided an atmosphere that allows her to thrive. "So far, I have had a lovely experience as an art student, the community is fantastic," Lincoln said. "Ms. Hinds and the other art teachers are supportive, dedicated, and clearly love the work they do. I feel I have grown a lot as an artist and a person in the art department at Niwot."

"The art department is so welcoming and helps everyone improve as much as they can," she said. "The teachers there are incredibly dedicated to their students and clearly passionate about art. Ms. Hinds has really helped develop my own style and help me grow as an artist and a person. I am very grateful to her, and everything that she has done for me."

"Cora is thoughtful, helpful and supportive to her peers," Hinds said. "She pushes herself in learning new techniques to better hone her craft as a visual communicator. Having Cora in my classes has been inspirational and a joy."

Lincoln describes her interest in art as very dedicated, bordering on obsessed. She includes art in every possible aspect of her life. "I am constantly drawing in the art room, or making something," she said. "It's a passion I hope I can turn into a career someday."

Lincoln loves challenging herself and striving to better her qualities as an artist. For example, she recently took up sewing to apply her artistic talents to clothing. She also is improving her 3-D skills by working with clay and creating sculptures, bowls, and any other ceramic pieces to express her love of art. She hopes to exhibit her work outside of the NHS environment soon and hopes that one day she will create her own exhibit.

At the moment, Lincoln is focused on sewing and jewelry making. She loves exploring her identity through wearable art. She has also picked up crocheting, knitting, book binding, a bit of leather working, and embroidery. "I love all my hobbies and continue to strive to learn more," she said.

Lincoln hopes to continue her art studies in college and improve even more as an artist. She will be entering her freshman year at Colorado State University next year to pursue a degree in Studio Arts. She then hopes to earn a master's degree which will hopefully lead to a career as an art professor.