Anjali Bose ’20
Nicholas Peyton, ‘19, is February’s Artist of the Month for his exemplary skill in Episcopal Academy’s 3D design programs and in his independent projects. Peyton began his artistic endeavors when he took foundations as a freshman. “In freshman year I took foundations. Then, in junior year I took honors 3D and this year I’m taking honors 3D again.” Peyton explained, “I haven’t taken any other classes but right now I’m making a surfboard with Mr. Binstock.” In Honors 3D Design, Peyton has sculpted and created many different works, ranging from more realistic pieces such as his 3D portrait of his face, to more abstract works such as his Barbara Hepworth-inspire sculpture that was displayed in the gallery in December.
“The first time I met Nick was in foundations, where I meet all of you,” Hillary Hutchison, Upper School 3D art teacher, explained. “You know, he really stood out because he’s talented and worked hard. He did not come back to art until last year, taking honors 3D-3. Now he’s in honors 3D-4. The funny thing about Nick is that I had him and his sister, Alex, last year in my class, and we used to call them ‘the dueling Peytons’. There was definitely a little friendly sibling rivalry going on there.”
Hutchison continued, “I think that he has a very intellectual approach to his work and he gives himself a lot of time to think about and plan what he’s doing. He’s very confident to restart and to make adjustments. He’s pretty fearless that way.”
“I really wanted to take another art after I took foundations, but I had to wait until junior year because I had to get in my religion requirements. After I got that done I just really wanted to focus on art. I definitely like to create things, and I really like hands-on activities. I’m not great at painting but just sculpting things with my hands and creating things in three dimension is my strong suit.” Peyton said.
“He’s a meticulous craftsman. His work is always very finished and polished, sophisticated and just very beautiful,” Hutchison explained. “Last year we did more representational work with our kids. This year the work and my curriculum has been more abstractual work and form that’s not necessarily based on something that we’re looking at or something observable.”
In the Honors 3D class, the students have been learning about abstract sculpturists such as the metalsmith David Smith, and Barbara Hepworth, whose work can be seen in photographs displayed throughout the 3D art room. As Hutchison explained, “the students really had to come up with a form that did not represent anything but that was visually appealing to them. and again what I was just saying, I think more so than some other students, he really gave a lot of thought and did a lot of investigating to come up with a solution for our assignments.”
“I definitely have a more logical approach when creating my artwork.” Peyton stated, “I definitely like to think through everything and have everything done for a reason, most effectively. I don’t like to waste time and effort.”
Peyton’s methodology manifests in his artwork, especially in spatial awareness. Hutchison explained, “I know that he’s a good math student, so I think that his affinity for math comes out in how he approaches projects also. He’s very aware of symmetry and measuring things out, and he’s interested in surface.” Hutchison said. “He definitely has a real great sense of symmetry, form, fluid curves, straight edges, and whether something is evenly finished.”
Peyton’s classmate, Hadley DeBruyn ‘20, admires his determination; “sometimes, for just one class period he puts his nose down and gets so far forward on a project, and after not hearing from him all class, he’s basically done. Other days, he cracks jokes the whole time and still gets more work done than a lot of other students.” DeBruyn adds, “He adds very well to our welcoming class environment.”
As part of Peyton’s project outside of the 3D design class, he has been making his own surfboard in the woodshop, on his own and with the guidance of John Binstock, Woodworking and Design teacher. Schuyler Sices ‘19, a student who has been in the woodshop while Peyton works on his surfboard jokes, “I don’t know how he thinks that he’s going to make a functional surfboard, but his passion for surfing and his knowledge of the art of shaping a surfboard is definitely visible, and I think he’s going to succeed because of that.” Sices adds, “he always lightens a difficult moment by cracking one of his classic jokes- usually saying something random and then telling someone around him to take notes.”
Peyton isn’t sure if he’ll pursue any art related majors in college, however, he doesn’t want to leave his art experience behind. “I’m probably not, but I definitely don’t want to forget it all in high school,” Payton said. “I’ll just continue as a passion and try to weave it into any future endeavors I have.”