Neighbors: Briana Calderon

Briana Calderon, a 16-year-old junior at Booker High School for the Visual Performing Arts, says that her love for art has been a part of her life since she was a little girl.

“Probably since I could hold a pencil,” says Calderon. “When I was little, all I would do was draw. I would find paper and crayons and just draw all the time. I’ve always been really into it.”

This past summer, Calderon took an illustration and design course at Ringling College of Art and Design.
Since the course, Calderon has thought about applying to Ringling and staying in Sarasota for college.

Calderon has been working on a special piece that she planned on donating to the city of Sarasota in celebration of the Dec. 10 arrival of the mayor and other government officials of Merida, the Mexican sister city to Sarasota.

“Because I am of Mexican descent, I felt really kind of connected to it and felt like it was a really good idea,” said Calderon. “I thought it was the perfect way to contribute, because I love Sarasota and I want to show it.”
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Briana Calderon shares her thoughts ...

... On chalk festivals …
Calderon won the People’s Choice Award in October at the Sarasota Chalk Festival.
“It was incredible for me because the only reason I did it was because my teacher suggested it, and I had never done anything like it before.”

... On blogging …
An avid blogger, Calderon runs three different blogs — The Diary of a Starving Artist, Antisocial and ART-Shirts. She will soon be starting an online store for her T-shirts, prints and fine art.
“You meet people from around the world and everyone is really nice and really supportive … it is really good for people who have something to share and it allows you to express yourself.”

... On finding her style ...
“Everyone has their own unique style, and I’ve actually come to terms with my style. I had a hard time finding my style… (but) every artist is born with a style; it was always there. Looking at someone’s art work is the best way to get to know someone.”

Contact Rachel S. O'Hara at [email protected].