Recognizable by the paint-streaked jeans, sketchbook tucked beneath one arm, and the inquisitive look in her eye, Keaton Scandrett ‘18 is an aspiring artist and on top of that, a budding anthropologist.  Her interests may not be the most conventional, but she pursues them with a passion that beams through her personality.

“My parents always encouraged me to use the old box of crayons we had and see what I could do,” Scandrett said. “I love expressing my personality within my art and having something I can truly call my own creation.”

While Scandrett has always been an artist, her full schedule prevented her from taking any art classes in previous years.  Now she jumps into the elective’s opportunities headfirst.

“This year I started making art in full swing at school,” Scandrett said. “I’m finding I love everything we do!  Every new assignment helps me unlock new mediums and skills to achieve a certain aesthetic within a piece.”

Scandrett’s art covers a wide variety of different styles and mediums, from two-dimensional drawings to painting her jackets, shirts, and pants.  While her art varies in style and shape, her unique voice speaks through each work.

“I try to make art that captures the essence of a person, inanimate object, or emotion, hoping that others will feel the spirit of the person (or object) when they see the piece,” Scandrett said. “Currently I am very intrigued by watercolor and India ink, but charcoal is a consistent friend I can rely on for a grainy bold mark. I don’t have a theme I strive for, just whatever comes out of my hands and mind at the time I’m holding a brush.”

Gallery • 6 Photos

Keaton Scandrett

In addition to her artwork, Scandrett devotes much of her energy to archaeological studies.  She has always been interested in history and different cultures, but after taking world history as a sophomore, a burning desire to study ancient civilizations was lit within her.

“I realized that nothing gave me a hunger for learning quite like ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Incan/Aztec culture,” Scandrett said. “The Pythagorean theorem is great but it simply doesn’t compare to different people’s ways of life in the past!”

Her junior year, Scandrett contacted an archaeologist working with the University of Iowa.  Currently, she draws artifacts and maps of their archaeological dig sites, specifically Pliny’s Villa in Laurentum, an ancient city in southwest Italy.  Her drawings are kept for their archives and books published on the findings.

Scandrett’s artistic talents and historic drive will be put to use in her future career.  In college, she plans to study anthropology and art history.

“I hope I can find a way to incorporate drawing and artwork into historical cultures, even as a hobby on the side,” Scandrett said. “I love making art and seeing how different artworks in history have impacted people and ways of life. I’m not sure where it will take me, but I plan to pursue new ways to express my passion and reach people through artwork.”