When asked what makes someone a good artist, many often associate the word good with talented. However, art at its core is an expression of individuality. It shows our greatest moments and our melancholy, our emotions at their rawest and our lives at their most honest. Most importantly, art is an opportunity for creative liberation. Good art, therefore, is a myth – all that matters is the voice. Such a voice, equally passionate and imaginative, is Richard Rabara, SMHS senior and soon-to-be student of Pratt University in New York.
While the first time he shaped life on to paper came from a place of childhood curiosity, Richard soon discovered a spark that grew into an undying passion for art.
Richard transferred to San Mateo High School from the Burlingame district upon hearing “that there was an opportunity to pursue art as a career path [at SMHS].” His passion for art caught the eye of SMHS art teacher Ms. Stock. “I [first] met Richard remotely and I noticed that Richard’s artwork was interesting, he took creative risks, and it was different,” she says. “Then I got to meet Richard in person [this year] and he took his work to another level. He’s really dedicated and puts the time in. He has great attention to detail and a sophisticated approach to art. He’s focused and persistent. I’m so glad he’s going off to art school but I’m going to miss him.”
Taking three art classes on top of being a part of the art certificate program, Richard’s love and dedication to art truly shows. “Somebody can be incredibly talented, but if they’re lazy, nothing happens. You can think all the time, but if you don’t put it down to work, there’s nothing there,” added Ms. Stock, “It’s all about getting up, sitting down, and putting in the work. [Richard] embodies that.”
As Ms. Stock mentioned, Richard’s attitude towards art also spoke to me. Unlike artists who view art as a competition or gimmick, Richard is incredibly humble and introspective. Framing art as a process of creatively expressing oneself, Richard’s relationship with art itself is inspiring. “Focusing on your own drive and not letting others’ work define yours [is most important],” Richard explained. “As artists we tend to look at other people’s art and compare it to ours, and I think that diminishes our own skills. Looking at what you do, being proud of what you can do, and knowing with practice you will get better is what will get you to be that artist you desire to be.”
Opportunity presents itself throughout our lives and often dictates our next destination. Choices are made, and those choices decorate the direction of our journey. Starting his journey in California, Richard continues to be on the lookout for opportunities and now is heading to New York to begin the next chapter of his artistic odyssey. In a world full of twists and turns, Richard Rabara continues his daring pursuit of opportunities, and we look forward to the day his unique voice shines from coast to coast.