Talent Lies in Nederland

by Pam North

     Nederland has a budding artist.  Amber Clasby, daughter of Leo
and Denise Clasby, is only twelve years old, but she's already gaining
attention as a skillful young artist.  Her parents and older brother,
Adam, moved to Nederland from California eleven years ago, so Amber is
almost a native of the area.  About to be a 7th grade student next
fall, Amber attends Nederland Middle School, where she was voted "Most
Artistic" by fellow students in her 6th grade class.  While she enjoys
many activities, such as camping, band and swimming, Amber's first
love is art.  She spends at least an hour or two each day honing her
skills and expanding the repertoire of media in which she expresses
herself.  Oil pencils are her favorite so far, but she has dabbled in
oils. watercolors, acrylics and pen and ink as well, and has made some
attempts at pottery and sculpture, notably a nice figure of a German
Shepherd.
     Amber says she creates mostly from original impressions inside 
her mind, but she also is highly influenced by anime, the Japanese 
animation that has captured world-wide interest.  She particularly 
likes InuYasha, the Feudal Fairytale character from the manga (Japanese 
comic book) series and Yomiuri TV episodes.  Inspired by anime's dog 
demons, she has created her own flying wolf character that she has named 
Zuki.
     Amber loves what she does, and is proud of her accomplishments, but
she intends to pursue the path toward perfection, perhaps professionally
when she is older.  Who knows where this talented local girl is going?  
With her inherent talent and motivation to excel, it's all up to her!