MARYSVILLE — Marysville teenager Eli Flippin’s paintings hang on the walls of the apartment the 14-year-old shares with his mom.
One painting, with streaks of deep reds and warm oranges like fire dashing across the canvas, hangs on a narrow wall dividing the entrance from the living room. It faces the kitchen counter where Flippin’s mother, Monica Moriarty can see it. A distorted streak of white splashes across the surface and mirrors a clearly-outlined white hand print, the only distinct shape in the painting that seems to stand-in for the artist.
Moriarty said it is her favorite of her son’s nine works.
A year ago, Flippin hadn’t given much thought to the creative pursuits. A football player for the Marysville Kodiaks and Cavallero Junior High in the fall, a Little Leaguer in the spring, the extent of the teen’s experience with the fine arts included a flirtation with learning guitar.
But as Flippin bumped up against those identity issues familiar to anyone who has been a teenager — self-esteem, trying to fit in — his mother introduced him to art therapist Judith Campanero to help him develop the tools to address those issues.
Flippin and Campanero came up with a goal for the boy — he would create nine paintings and display them in an art show.
Fast forward to mid-November. Flippin has completed his works and will show them at the Passport Travel Office in Mill Creek.
It has been quite an accomplishment for Flippin, who plans to continue painting even though he met his initial goal. The experience has helped him learn more about himself as well. He counts art as one of his favorite classes, unlike math.
“I like English and writing — creative things, I guess,” he said, adding, “I was thinking about doing some more art shows after this if this one’s successful.”
Although Flippin plans to continue doing art in some capacity, he’s not sure if a career in the arts is in the cards. Instead, his athletic side returns to the forefront — he wants to be a firefighter.
Flippin’s works will be presented at the Passport Travel Office in Mill Creek on Friday, Nov. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 425-418-9976 or 425-320-8787.
