In Motion: Selected Works by Collins Dickson ‘26
Meet our Aspiring Student Artist
My work is made to show my passion for cars and the creation that goes into designing every diminutive detail of the innovative process. I draw in a manner of realism simply because of the personal visual appeal and as a way to challenge myself through perspective. My drawings are colorful, vibrant, and incorporate many challenging environments of balancing architecture and nature. It is a cohesive drawing that limits the perspective in a two-dimensional form. My 3D models push my limits even more as an artist to add all angles with more details and features that you would not be able view in a drawing. I work with cardboard, hot glue, paper, tape, filler primer, spray paint and a finishing glaze putty. Similar to my drawings in pursuing hyperrealism, I have found through my own experimentation of materials that this is what gives me the closest replication of a real car. I am fascinated by the whole process of designing new models for the future and then making these drawings come to life in a realistic physical form.
The General Motors Partnership
So far, I have done 2 9-week design programs with them. The program is called YMAD, it is a virtual program; you join a team's call, and they teach you the different aspects of how to design a car. This isn't an internship because they cannot show you the work they do, they must keep their work secret.
Back in 8th grade my grandpa told me about a car show called Circle City Corvettes and he told me that the exterior design manager (Kirk Bennion) goes every year. The show is a showcase of the newest car model which is why Kirk is at this show.
Where is the interest in pursuing this? Do you see yourself having a career in this field? I do think I have a pretty good shot at getting into this career, I have made some good connections with a few people who work at GM (General Motors) and have done some design programs with them in the past. I have been told by Kirk that I have a very good chance of working there in the future if I just keep expanding my portfolio.
How did this interest / passion start? I think I really got into cars in 4th grade, I just thought about them one day and started looking into it, then found that cars are pretty interesting. I always liked drawing and building stuff, so the combination of these interests mixed pretty cohesively. The thing with cars is there is always new stuff coming out with keeps the interest going.
What medium do you work with? For my 3D stuff I work with cardboard, hot glue, paper, tape, Bondo/finishing and glaze putty, filler primer, and spray paint
The Process: I start out by finding the car I want to build then I find a top and side view of the car. I then trace the side view onto a piece of paper, I do this so that everything lines up and is proportional. Then I take that side view and size the image of the top view to be the same length as the side view. After this I trace both onto carboard and start assembling the car using photos from the internet. After I have the car build, I fill in areas where the carboard is glued together with air drying clay. After it dries, I sand it down to be smooth. Next, I cover the whole car with glazing and spot putty. I sand this once it dries if there are holes and cracks then I fill it in with this putty. When sanding there is lots of dust left on the car, so I use prep-all to wipe off all the dust. After this I spray filler primer with better helps fill in bumpy areas and reveal them. I end up having to do 2 maybe 3 layers of putty to get it somewhat smooth but once I do, I can start painting. I use regular spray paint which works very well. After that I use paper, plastic, and whatever else I can find to add the rest of the details.
Emerging Artists
Elizabeth Herzog
Elizabeth Herzog, an 8th-grade student, was born on April 13, 2011, in Tallahassee, Florida, Elizabeth is a talented mixed media artist. Her love for creativity shines through in her work, which explores various cultures and art styles. She is a mixed media artist that explores mediums, such as marker, acrylic paint, watercolor, pencils and printmaking. A unique aspect of her art is her incorporation of sewing, a skill she learned from her mother. Integrating this texture of stitching into her pieces has been a delightful and unexpected surprise, adding depth to her creative expression.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Elizabeth is an avid athlete. She loves playing softball and was part of three different teams last spring: TFPSA, Big Bend Lightning (a travel team), and Maclay. Her hard work on the field led to an exciting accomplishment last summer when her team won a state championship. Beyond softball, Elizabeth is also passionate about soccer, balancing her time between sports and art.
When she's not creating or competing, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She shares her home with two cats, Nibbles and Wednesday, who keep her company. Her dedication, both to art and athletics, makes her a standout student with a bright future ahead.
Fiona Walker
Fiona Walker, born on November 8, 2013, in Washington, DC, is a creative and energetic 5th-grade student with a deep passion for the arts. Art brings her joy, and her love for creativity has been nurtured by her lower school art teacher, Mrs. Hicks, who is a constant source of inspiration. With Mrs. Hicks’ guidance, Fiona has explored a variety of art forms and techniques, including her recent passion for photography. She enjoys capturing moments in nature and documenting memories with her family and friends, discovering new ways to tell stories through her photos.
Outside of her artistic pursuits, Fiona leads a very active life. She is dedicated to soccer and softball, enjoying both the excitement of the game and the camaraderie of her teammates. When she's not on the field, she often spends hours designing and building imaginative worlds with her LEGO sets, each project a new adventure. Fiona also loves baking, experimenting with recipes, and creating delicious treats for her family, blending her creativity with a bit of culinary science.
At home, Fiona enjoys the company of her two cats, Marvin and Maggie, who often serve as muses for her art and photography. Whether she's sketching, snapping photos, baking, or crafting a LEGO masterpiece, Fiona’s diverse interests reflect her curiosity and joy for life. Her love for both the arts and sports makes her a well-rounded individual, always eager to learn, grow, and create with passion and purpose.