Teen Finds the Reward of Putting Self Into Art

For Sergio Rebia, an 18-year-old artist devoted to realism and exacting detail, loosening up was the more difficult--yet most rewarding--choice to make. Hence the title of his award-winning self-portrait: “Chicken.”

The Santa Ana teen recently captured first place in the “Artistic Discovery 2000” high school art competition for the 46th Congressional District, sponsored by Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove).

For his effort, Sergio wins a $2,000 scholarship and an expense-paid trip to Washington, where his self-portrait and work from six other Garden Grove Unified School District students will hang in the Capitol.

Nathan Nguyen, a senior at Garden Grove High School, captured second place and will receive a $1,000 scholarship as runner-up for his charcoal drawing. Vi Nguyen, a junior at Bolsa Grande High School, earned a third-place $500 scholarship for his colored pencil drawing.

Students of Kevin Fergunson, Sergio’s art teacher, have been entering the contest for years but have never won. “I’ve had several kids’ work kept for display purposes,” Fergunson said, “In Sergio’s case it was nearly unanimous; only one judge gave it second place. Rebia’s incredible . . . on the honor role every year, an excellent academic student and he has a natural talent for art.”

Sergio said he’s loved drawing and painting for as long as he can remember, although he never took an art class until his sophomore year at Los Amigos High School. Now he hopes to pursue a career in illustration or fine art after attending the Art Institute of Southern California in Laguna Beach.

While other teens are spending spring break at the beach or the mall, Sergio is spending the week visiting family in Modesto and working on a symbolic self-portrait. “I always have some art project going on,” he said.

It took Sergio over two months of standing in front of a mirror to create his award-winning self-portrait, “Chicken.”

“At one point I thought I had finished, but I didn’t like it and reworked it,” Sergio said. “I was trying to loosen up. My art teacher was always telling me that because I’m always into detail and realism.”

Sergio said he spent most of the time working on the head and the face, trying to capture a true image. “It seemed too boring so I wanted to spice it up and added more color,” he said.

The additional purples and reds paid off and “Chicken” also took first place in color for the school district’s annual art competition. “When I loosen up I do better,” Sergio said. “It’s a strength and a learning experience.”

Chris Ceballos can be reached at (714) 966-7440.