Some artists prefer to work in one medium of art, whereas others enjoy dabbling in various forms. Senior Shana Levine is the latter. She likes to experiment with any type of art, as long as it allows her to be precise.

Levine found her talent at a young age. Both her parents were athletic and hoped that she would continue their legacy. However, she proved to not be proficient in sports, so her parents signed her up for art classes. She instantly fell in love with the arts and continues to excel in this field.

When Levine was twelve years old, she met Peter Cook, a photography teacher who works at the Arts Council of Princeton. Cook recognized her talent and has witnessed her mature in her work. “I can’t really trade anything that he’s taught me. I wouldn’t want to give that up. Ever,” Levine said about Cook. Teachers at PDS have inspired Levine to pursue her passion as well. Dr. Latham, Dr. Monroe, Dr. Manzulli, Ms. Walker, and Ms. Mangino have all played a significant role in her life. “They’re all really strong and powerful women,” she said. “They have been such a great support system for me over the years.”

Levine’s favorite projects are those she made in her architecture and photography classes. On her trip to France, she took over 200 beautiful photographs, mostly of French landscapes. Additionally, she enjoys her self-portraits, as this style of photography enables her to capture herself exactly the way she wants to be seen. Her all-time favorite photography piece was entirely about her faults. “People try and hide their faults, like you want to be perfect and society makes you strive for all these perfect ideals, and I was like, ‘I’m just gonna blatantly express every single thing that I hate about myself and put it out to the public’ and be like, ‘Here’s everything that’s wrong with me. Take it or leave it,’ and I think that’s really inspiring for me personally just to kind of accept everything that I personally think is negative and not great and that I wish could change and to be like, they’re part of who I am, and you accept it and move on, and you embrace the things that you can’t really change,” Levine said.

Outside of her artwork, Levine enjoys tutoring children. “I really like tutoring because it really gives you a different respect of how other people learn and it gives you a different way to view the subject matter,” she said. Additionally, she loves to write, be a part of Corner House, watch Netflix, and spend time with her cat.

Next year at Stanford University, Levine hopes to major in Art History or English, with a minor in photography. She wants to expand into new mediums, such as fine art or 3D sculpture. She believes that college will be a great opportunity for her to take risks and expand her horizons.

Favorite Singers: Elton John, Carole King, and Billy Joel

Favorite Song: “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John

Favorite Book: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Favorite Movie: Argo or anything with Meryl Streep

Favorite Classes: AP Art History and History in Film and Literature

Favorite Food: Peanut Butter or anything warm to drink

Inspirational Quote: “Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny. What we think, we become.” – Margaret Thatcher