By Clara Chalmers
Farryn Vanhumbeck is many things -- a cyclist, an adventurer, a friend, a daughter, an academic hoping to acquire a business degree. As an artist, she, too, is multifaceted -- her sketchbook teems with quirky ideas, her schedule threaded by a miscellany of art courses and co-curriculars . At Collingwood, she is a fervent member of photography class, acting class, film club, choir, and several plays. Her work has been extolled in many competitions, exhibited at the Polygon gallery, and featured in a profusion of commercials. Since birth, it seems, Farryn has been engaged in an infinite cycle of molding, singing, dancing, acting, painting, writing and drawing.
To Farryn, art is the act of creating. Of telling stories. Of expressing herself. Of leaving an impression on her audience. Being an “artist” does not necessarily imply a skill, but an identity. One that has seeped into her character -- cultivating someone dramatic and passionate, satiated with a rich well of imagination. She is confident, too -- stating “When I was feeling scared and insecure, it became hard for me to fully express myself. I am working on believing in myself again.” When not puttering in the studio or basking beneath the spotlight, Farryn amasses inspiration from her surroundings. An actor, for example, suggested in a TEDx, “Don’t strive to be famous, strive to be talented.” Although her prowess is palpable - and well known across the school - this mantra resonates with Farryn, who strives to be both a better artist and person.
Farryn Vanhumbeck is many things -- a cyclist, an adventurer, a friend, a daughter, an academic hoping to acquire a business degree. As an artist, she, too, is multifaceted -- her sketchbook teems with quirky ideas, her schedule threaded by a miscellany of art courses and co-curriculars . At Collingwood, she is a fervent member of photography class, acting class, film club, choir, and several plays. Her work has been extolled in many competitions, exhibited at the Polygon gallery, and featured in a profusion of commercials. Since birth, it seems, Farryn has been engaged in an infinite cycle of molding, singing, dancing, acting, painting, writing and drawing.
To Farryn, art is the act of creating. Of telling stories. Of expressing herself. Of leaving an impression on her audience. Being an “artist” does not necessarily imply a skill, but an identity. One that has seeped into her character -- cultivating someone dramatic and passionate, satiated with a rich well of imagination. She is confident, too -- stating “When I was feeling scared and insecure, it became hard for me to fully express myself. I am working on believing in myself again.” When not puttering in the studio or basking beneath the spotlight, Farryn amasses inspiration from her surroundings. An actor, for example, suggested in a TEDx, “Don’t strive to be famous, strive to be talented.” Although her prowess is palpable - and well known across the school - this mantra resonates with Farryn, who strives to be both a better artist and person.
Farryn is an artist by nature -- in fact, she “probably came out of the womb singing.” Although neither parent had any particular creative prowess, her childhood is fused with creating. Playdates were devoted to skits, performed for the delight of her mother, and recesses replete with make belief games. Her two years at Collingwood are extensions of this creative fervour, allowing her to augment and showcase her abilities. This past year, Farryn took part in the “zoomfest,” a 48 hour film competitions with contenders across BC. Farryn and her group created and submitted “losing light,” which received first place in sound design. She, starring in, as well as writing, the film, also took home “Best Senior Individual Female Performance.”
Beyond awards, the most important gift art has bequeathed her is probably an ability to dream. Farryn has mined a treasure trove of success from her passion - validating the fact that reaching for the stars, if coupled by hard work, can indeed be fruitful. Art breeds a buoyancy that has come to define Farryn. Rarely is she seen without a smile, or some thoughtful sentiment to proffer teachers and peers alike. Her gratitude is infectious, and is often manifested in her creations.
“I really am blessed with a beautiful family, good friends, to live in Vancouver, to get to travel, to go to Collingwood, and to get to pursue my dreams.”
At times, art can bear somber themes -- yet Farryn’s pieces are entwined with an indefatigable sense of playfulness. Whether it be an Egyptian inspired headdress, the skits she performed as a child, or a photo montage, she emits a forcefield of positivity.
When questioned why she continued to pursue art, Farryn claimed she had “never thought about this one- stopping being an artist has never been an option or something that I have had to contemplate about because art is such a big part of me. I will always be an artist.” When observing her pieces, it is not hard to attribute why this creative part of her has become so firmly wedged in her identity, as, in the words of Farryn:
“Art makes me happy.”