Wyoming — Senior Charlie Baker adds intricate details to a sketch of a multi-tiered wedding cake.
It’s a class assignment for Foundations of Art, and one of many pieces ranging from whimsical to dark that he’s worked on this school year in art classes, including textiles and AP Art & Design. He said he has taken all of the art classes offered at Wyoming High School and is in the National Art Honor Society.
Charlie’s work is now having a community impact. He recently won a $1,000 scholarship through the McDonald’s Golden Arches Mural program’s Hispanic Heritage Month contest. The piece, enlarged for display inside the restaurant, is showcased at McDonald’s, 3873 South Division Ave. in Wyoming. The Wyoming High School Art Department also received $500 from McDonald’s.
Charlie, who entered the drawing as an assignment in teacher Cassandra Lawson’s class, designed the piece to include a towering wave of fries, burgers, nuggets, soft drinks. The Hamburgler smiles and waves flags representing Hispanic countries in front of a backdrop of Grand Rapids buildings and a McDonald’s.
“I tried to make it look like a kid’s drawing and I also based it off (2009 animated movie) ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.’ It’s raining food, in a way,” said Charlie, who used colored pencils as his medium.
“Charlie is an amazing artist,” said Lawson. “He does have a really specific style. I would say it’s edgy, (with) lots of darker, sharper, alternative images.”
Charlie talked about what art means to him and his plans for the future.
What is your dream? “I am planning to be a professional tattoo artist.”
Why is that your dream? Charlie explained that tattoos are usually a visual representation of stories.
“I’m really into writing and tattoos always have meaning behind them and I like giving pictures to (words).”
What do you love about art? “I think it’s a really good way of expression, especially for me because I’ve never been that good at talking. It’s always better to have a visual — something everyone understands.”
How would you describe your style? “I am open to a lot of different styles. I do like darker colors and images.”
How are school and your teachers helping you achieve your dream? Charlie said he began taking art classes at age 13, and WHS art teachers Lawson and Elizabeth Duffield have been inspirational.
“I like how they give me feedback,” he said. “It helps me look at my work from a different perspective.”
How do you plan to use your scholarship money? “I’m planning to put it toward college. I am going to do two years at Grand Rapids Community College, and then I plan to transfer to (an art school).”
How did you feel when you won the competition? “I was surprised because I didn’t expect to. It was exciting because I really needed that money.”
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