To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter of recommendation to you for Ms. Shiva (Eva) Steele. Over the past year, I
helped her further develop a college level art portfolio. Let me be clear when I say that by
“helped”, I simply provided a safe studio space in which to work and the occasional drop of
constructive criticism. She processes critiques well, but will remain true to the original ideas.
Based on my experience, I can say without a doubt she is one of the most naturally talented and
hardworking art students with whom I have had the opportunity to work. Eva is exceptionally
“hungry” to move onto the next level, and it is clear to me that she has a very bright future in the
creative arts. Open minded and unafraid, she explores politics,​ ​race​,​ ​gender​, stereotypes,
violence, and makes audacious statements that question where we are as a society. She has
proven herself optimistic and tenacious in her quest for a visual identity that both strengthens and
inspires. This year she represented Garza at our 2019 Visual Arts Scholastic Event and
continues to represent us through her AP portfolio submission with critical engagement and
contemporary ideas.

Eva is very mature for her age and approaches art with an astute sense of objectivity.
I witness her experimenting with various avant-garde styles, creating pieces that told
contemporary feminist tales regarding the search for truth rather than striving for beauty or
perfection. Always going the extra mile in order to take artwork to the highest level of formal and
conceptual refinement, Ms. Steele develops concepts thoughtfully, creates interesting
exploratory sketches, and “thinks” before she commits herself, with confidence, to the end
process. Her last series contained characters that explored the perceptions of skin tone
discrimination among African American relationships. These large mixed media collages
questioned how far we have or have not evolved as a civilized society. Not unlike the works of
Kara Walker, Ms. Steele’s work oftentimes relies on humor and viewer interaction. She does not
want a completely passive audience, but rather an experience from which the viewer wouldn’t or
shouldn’t walk away.

True artistic expression involves risk taking. In today’s outrageous world climate, we need
voices that are willing to abandon political correctness and place the viewer outside their comfort
zone. This young lady uses her “visual voice” to boldly addresses racism, sexism, or the vast
social and economic inequalities that divide us. Shiva (Eva) Steele is an exceptional artist. With
enough guidance, direction and creative freedom, she has the potential to be one of the most
influential artists of her generation. It is with the utmost confidence that I recommend her to your
program. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,
David A. Andrews
Art Facilitator
Garza Independence High School
david.andrews@austinisd.org