Maya Sheybani, a senior a Pleasant Valley, became interested in art when she took a sculpting class at the Figge Art Museum when she was in elementary school. Ever since, Sheybani has excelled in her work. Maya spends countless hours in the art room every week, working on new pieces.

Maya comes from a family of four who are all very driven in what they love to do. Her mother, the Japanese Teacher at Pleasant Valley High School, pushes Maya everyday to be great at everything she does. “Maya is a very special girl, she works hard and is good at what she does,” says Mrs. Sheybani.

What were your favorite art classes to take at Pleasant Valley?

Ceramics, advanced ceramics, sculpting and drawing.

Who/what is your inspiration?

I draw inspiration from other ceramic pieces I see, and also simplicity.

What’s your favorite pieces you’ve ever done?

A vase shaped like a whale. I have been working on it for a couple weeks now, and even ordered new glazes for it, I’m extremely happy with how it turned out. I am also very proud of my recent sculptures I have made, they are succulents in pots, they are simple but very cute.

Is there a message you try to send through your art?

Simplicity. I feel that things don’t have to be flashy to be intriguing. I like neutral colors and things that are visually calm

How many hours do you spend doing art a week?

Ten plus hours every week, it’s what I love to do in my free time and open classes.

Has Mr. Hanson been influential to your career? How do you feel about him leaving?

Yes! He’s been very supportive and constructive to my art career, and I am incredibly sad to see him leave.