Eshika Tangri ‘23
Josephine Buccini is September’s Artist of the Month because of her creativity, passion, and skill in studio art. Buccini, who has taken more than seven times the required number of art classes, has been involved in the arts for most of her time at Episcopal. One of her art teachers, Hilary Hutchison, describes Buccini’s growth as an artist from freshman to senior year, commenting, “Josephine’s enthusiasm and dedication to the study of art has remained committed and strong throughout her four years of high school. Her voice has flourished […] meaning she has developed great confidence and is seen as a leader in the studio.”
Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused many challenges in daily life, Buccini always looks to art when things get tough. She explains, “I love art above all other subjects because while science and numbers are necessary pursuits, art is a reason why we pursue things. Art fulfills our lives, no matter what form it takes. At times in my life where words have failed me, I can always turn to art. It’s the most true and important thing I know. I think the importance of art has become more apparent recently.” Buccini’s love for art began in middle school. She remarks, “In middle school, art was the class I loved most and it has remained this way. It has given me the foundation to think critically and learn about myself. The art rooms have always been my refuge.”
Art has always been an integral part of Buccini’s life, even at home. When discussing her art experiences as a child, she mentions, “My mom took me to museums with her all the time, even before I was old enough to understand art. I was taught by my mom that everything, from clothes to flowers, is art. Throughout my life, there has been no shortage of color or creativity.” Buccini further describes art’s effect on her, describing its influence on her home saying, “Even my house doesn’t have a single plain white wall or a non-eccentric piece of furniture. My siblings and I were always surrounded by creativity, so I think it was natural that art became such a big part of my life.” This artistic influence clearly shines through in her artwork, as Buccini has won many awards at EA and through outside programs. Hutchison mentions Buccini’s tremendous success, saying “Josephine has received awards from the Scholastic Art Awards (a national art competition) and the Dora Khayatt Art Awards at EA. Outside of school, Josephine has attended extracurricular programs for studio art in Philadelphia and France.” Along with her supporting parents, Buccini has also been influenced artistically by her art teachers at EA. She says, “It’s my fourth year having Ms. Hutchison and Mr. Sigel. Above all, they have taught me to be more thoughtful and patient. Their assignments always cause me to explore art in ways I would have never thought of.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Buccini turned to jewelry to combine her love of art with community service. She states, “I make jewelry and sell it and donate the proceeds to the DDX3X Foundation.” Why she chose jewelry, Buccini explains, “Jewelry-making is another one of my favorite types of art! It’s much more repetitive than the other types of art I do, but it is so gratifying to have a product that other people are actively interested in.”
Having worked with Buccini since middle school, Hutchison reflects on her artistic success during her time at EA. She says, “Josephine is a talented and immensely creative individual and I have truly enjoyed and benefited from her motivation, inspiration, and positive energy in my classes.”
