Super Students
Saturday, June 6, 1998
Name: Milfer Araneta
Age: 16
School: Mililani High School
Favorite subject: Art
Pastimes: Drawing, painting, Bible-reading, basketball
Future: Artist
Whenever his emotions reel out of control Milfer Araneta grabs for his lifeline -- a pencil. Then miracles happen. Mililani teen's art is inspired
"I believe it's a gift from God," said Araneta of his artistic talent. "God is the secret of my ability ... my secret weapon. Without him, I would be nothing."
The Mililani High sophomore admits that expressing emotion verbally is a hardship so he takes solace in art, his bottled feelings splashed across a mute canvas.
"I like to draw what's in my heart," he said. "Once I start I can't stop, even though I'm starving to death." He spends three hours a day, twelve hours each weekend, painting. But always a special ritual is followed before starting any work. "Before I ever touch my paint, before I ever touch my pencil, I pray to God and ask him to help me. And he does, big time."
Such help, and talent, landed Araneta the second place spot in the 1998 Kaha Kii Congressional Art Competition. His winning entry was an exceptionally detailed portrait of his grandmother, which took a grueling three months to complete. It was the first time he had used paint as a medium.
Art teacher Toni Goto said Araneta is a gifted, determined artist who is "one of the more talented students that we have." She said he exudes confidence in his artistic ability and shows an intense focus that is "very rare in people today ... He's a person who doesn't give up."
Kimberly Fu, Star-Bulletin
