HHS grad expresses her world in her works
Amid the bright colors and striking imagery of Cassidy Cancienne’s painting, “New Orleans Cathedral,” is her story.
“It really showed to me if I can put my mind to something I can do it,” the Hahnville High graduate said of the pivotal moment that set her on the path to becoming an artist. “That’s my style. I was into the painting … to be able to look at that when you’re finished and say ‘Wow. I did that.’”
The work, which took 1-1/2 months to finish, was Cancienne’s confidence booster and set her onto doing bigger pieces. A former teacher bought the cathedral painting, which further motivated her to pursue art as a career.
“I was attached to that piece, but then felt excitement from my piece being in that home where others could admire it,” she said. “It made me happy knowing someone appreciated it as well as I do.”
Now at 18, Cancienne recounted how she’s always been about art.
Growing up, there were all those Saturdays spent painting on the patio. By fifth grade, she considered herself an artist.
“I was in a creative, artsy atmosphere,” Cancienne said of her childhood.
But it wasn’t enough to just paint, she wanted to use her talents to give back to the community.
“I knew that I had an artistic ability and wanted to do something with that other than producing art for myself,” she said.
In her junior year, she started a small business to sell her artwork, as well as produce pieces to help others.
As her senior project, she held a painting class to help others learn how to paint and donated the money raised to twins Demi and Daelyn Comardelle. Both were diagnosed with a rare disorder that claimed Daelyn’s life while Demi is still receiving treatment. [pullquote]“I knew that I had an artistic ability and wanted to do something with that other than roducing art for myself.” – Cassidy Cancienne[/pullquote]
Cancienne’s devotion to giving carried over into her school achievements, too.
As vice president of the Student Council, she encouraged others to give back to the school, as well as get into the school spirit. She served twice as Interact president, which works with the Rotary Club in service. She also was in BETA Club, served two years as Honor Society president, was president of the Future Business Leaders of America and a member of National Spanish Honor Society.
She praised her art teacher and what she taught them in the many different projects that also tailored teaching to each student.
“You’re able to see what your style is,” Cancienne said. “It was folk art, inspired by Louisiana and things around me. Without it, I wouldn’t know the artist that I am and what’s true to me.”
Her pieces reflect the important things in life like the cathedral and Louisiana flag.
Cancienne, the daughter of Tim and Christy Cancienne of Luling, also expressed gratitude for St. Charles Parish Public Schools’ support of the arts, as well as her own path of discovery.
“I was able to learn so much and to grow as an artist,” she said.
Now as she looks to her future, her sights are much clearer.
In the fall, she will attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she plans to major in the arts and marketing. She hopes taking both will take her to her ultimate goal of having her own gallery.
“I got so much out of Hahnville High,” Cancienne said. “I got into the Hahnville spirit at school. I didn’t believe those years could go so fast.”
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