St. John's student creates lasting legacy through art

A towering 7.5-foot artwork was recently unveiled at St. John's High School. This stunning painting tells a story of transformation, cultural identity and educational journey through the eyes of Grade 11 student Erin Zeamea Cruz Siscar.

The piece titled "Blooming Into A New Beginning" transformed a repurposed canvas into a vibrant acrylic painting featuring the school's tiger mascot embracing a graduating student amidst a garden of symbolic flowers.

The ambitious project emerged as part of Erin Siscar's final art assignment, where students were given creative freedom to choose their theme and medium.

"My intention was to show a meaningful image that captured how I felt about school," said Erin Siscar, who completed the painting in December. "The tiger represents St. John's High School, positioned to provide comfort and nurture to the student, while also being in a protective stance."

The central figure in the painting wears a graduation cap and gown. This symbolizes academic achievement and future aspirations. The student's embrace of the tiger represents gratitude for St. John’s High School’s comprehensive support.

"The student in the center represents all of us at St. John's," Erin Siscar explained. "The school provides comfort through friendships and nourishment. It offers a reliable routine within a safe and inclusive environment."

"We are incredibly proud of Erin's effort. This wonderful piece of art reflects our current student population and beautifully captures the essence of belonging and connection within the St. John's community," said Brad Davidson, Principal at St. John’s High School.

The permanent piece of art was installed in the upper-level staircase by the Powers Street doors. Each flower in the garden represents different aspects of high school life. Roses symbolize love. Hydrangeas represent gratitude, and Irises signify growth and change. Alstroemeria, also known as the Lily of the Incas, stands for friendship, while Daiisies symbolize youth. Sunflowers embody happiness. The artist also included Black Dahlias and Marigolds to acknowledge life’s challenging moments.

"Not all of school is sprinkles and sparkles," Erin Siscar noted in her artist statement.

"These flowers each embody a different characteristic of life in high school."

Erin Siscar wove personal details throughout the piece. Hidden gems include her birthdate and her 2013 immigration date from the Philippines. She added references to her interests in biology and pediatrics. The painting features her favourite artists "KATSEYE" and "mrld." A badminton birdie represents her athletic pursuits.

Trista Scott-Herridge, Grade 7-12 Visual Arts teacher, praised her student's achievement. "I am super proud of her and excited to celebrate this huge accomplishment," she said.

“The project showcases the opportunities available through the school's Visual Arts program. Students attend art class daily, providing ample time for both preliminary work and ambitious final projects.”

"When we had this large canvas that needed repurposing, Erin Siscar stepped up to the challenge," Scott-Herridge added. "Her decision to donate the artwork to the school demonstrates the strong sense of community we foster at St. John's High School.