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Abstract Artist Creates Own Niche

A watering can, a series of pipes and flowing water are what Casey O'Neill considers art.

"It's my style. It's what I do," said O'Neill, 17, a senior at New Canaan High School who is hoping to continue his art studies in college.

O'Neill and other creative types are using the school's lobby as their showplace. Photos, paintings and sculpture created by members of the school community are on display in the school's Summer Art Gallery.

Pieces done by 30 students and eight faculty members last summer will be on display until Nov. 5. It is one of five exhibits that the school's art department will have throughout the year. The last will be a seniors-only show. The school has hosted the galleries since 1990.

O'Neill's work is from his summer at the Rhode Island School of Design. In addition to the bucket and pipe work, his collection includes broken pieces of window blinds covered in paint splatters and dribbles and a bathrobe hanging upside down after being soaked in red paint.

"Even as a little kid, I would make these humongous, odd-looking sculptures that nobody thought meant anything, but now they see them as abstract sculptures," he said.

O'Neill said he does not plan his creations. Instead, he just goes with the moment and tries to create work that will get people thinking. Much of his work is inspired by Tim Burton's animated movie, "The Nightmare Before Christmas."

"It is fringe stuff you don't really see every day," O'Neill said. "A lot of my stuff has weird, abstract shapes, but has natural shapes as well."

Digital photography teacher Jeanne McDonagh said the galleries are a way to make the school a livelier, more creative environment.

"An important part of making art is sharing it," McDonagh said. "It's great for the students because otherwise, no one would see their stuff."

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