The following passage was written by my student Karla C. at Brentwood Highschool in my Advanced Fashion Illustration class:
As Ms. Cella’s former student, I can say wholeheartedly that she was an amazing
teacher! Her teaching style worked well with who she is as a person and her passion for
art and teaching really showed in the classroom. I loved the creative liberties she gave
us with each project and how it stayed true to our class. Our project she came up with
during her time at Brentwood High School was to create a Met Gala-inspired outfit
based off the fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. Although this seems hard to do with the
‘vague’ description it was actually a very good project that showcased 2 very important
factors for teaching art. It showcased Ms. Cella’s love and admiration for art, along with
her own unique style of teaching. As she walked around the room and observed us she
never hesitated to ask if we needed help, advice, or just a buddy to talk to. When we did
ask for help, she’d advise us on what we were asking, and when we doubted our own
artistic abilities she’d inspire us with her words; “This is an unfinished project and that’s
why you’re nervous. It’s not ready for you to be judging it.” Although this phrase might
seem like a normal thing a teacher would say, it stuck with me from that project onward.
Although I am in Advanced Placement for the Fashion Illustration class, I often still
doubt my artistic abilities. Ever since Ms. Cella told me that phrase, it plays in the back
of my head as a soft melody of remembrance that I shouldn’t jump to conclusions,
whether it be in art or in my everyday life. Her perspective on my art not being finished
overrides my anxiety about my project ‘not being good enough’, and sometimes, all you
need is a different perspective. Her kind words shared throughout her time at
Brentwood high school still sticks with me to this day, and I’m sure her future students
can agree that she is one of the most compassionate and supportive art teachers.