Peyton Farrell: Artist, Athlete, Writer: Crafting Art Beyond the Pool

The following column was a submitted from Raphaëlle Anglade, a junior studying journalism. It has been edited for AP Style, grammar and clarity.

Casting a warm glow on the shimmering surface of the Olympic-sized pool, within the expansive Aquatic Center on the campus of Ohio University, sunlight streams through tall windows. The pervasive smell of chlorine dominates the air, making its presence unmistakably prominent. Peyton Farrell, coming through the doors, stands as a testament to the multifaceted nature of student-athletes.

Her honey-blond hair, still slightly damp from the morning swim, catches the ambient light, creating a subtle, sun-kissed halo around her face. The gentle waves in her hair speak of her recent immersion in the pool, a testament to the rigorous training that defines her as a senior on  the Swimming and Diving team.

Self-photography is one of many of Farrell’s passions. This is a self-portrait she took this previous summer.

Self-photography is one of many of Peyton’s passions. This is a self-portrait she took this previous summer. Photo by Peyton Farrell

Despite her petite 5'3" stature, there's a presence about Farrell that commands attention. Hazel eyes, expressive and focused, survey the surroundings with a keen awareness. A delicate hint of chlorine envelops Farrell, a familiar aroma that accompanies her from the poolside. The aquatic environment seems to have become an extension of her identity, merging seamlessly with the creative and artistic dimensions that define her beyond the water's edge.

"I was looking at other schools, and I just wasn't very happy with them," Farrell said. "So, I eventually reached out here since it was kind of like the closest next option. And I just ended up really liking it." 

Her arrival at Ohio U was somewhat accidental, a choice made after exploring other options that failed to resonate with her. However, her journey in Athens didn't merely revolve around swimming and academics. Farrell discovered a latent passion for the arts, a creative impulse that found expression in writing, poetry and photography. Beyond the chlorine-scented air of the pool, Farrell dons the creative hats of a wordsmith and visual storyteller. 

"It started from a young age. If we go way back," Farrell said. "I grew up just doing a lot of crafts. Once I learned how to write and spell, I would start writing little books."

Farrell's artistic inclinations took root in her early years, nurtured by the influence of her craft-loving grandmother. From early attempts at crafting to stapling pages together to create makeshift books, Farrell's artistic evolution was in motion. The advent of technology, particularly an iPad Mini and a video recorder, opened doors to experimentation with video creation and editing.

While her initial artistic leanings gravitated towards video and film, Farrell eventually discovered her voice in the world of poetry. 

"I started focusing on poetry when I was 16 and made my first collection of poems, [which] I published when I was 18," Farrell said. 

Poetry became a means of expressing thoughts, emotions, and experiences without the constraints of elaborate plot structures. For Farrell, poetry's allure lay in its simplicity and the freedom it provides. 

"It's a lot simpler than coming up with a complex plot to write a fictional story," Farrell said. "You can just put down what you're thinking and however you want."

Within the landscape of modern poetry, Farrell's perspective emerges with a rebellious undertone. 

Contemplating the current state of poetic expression, she boldly articulates, "I thought it was bad and I thought I could do better."

The dialogue seamlessly transitioned to the creative process and the influence of personality types, as Farrell identified as a Type Four on the Enneagram – the individualist. 

"I'm just a very emotional person and that can be a detriment but also a strength,” Farrell said. “It's definitely something that needs to be balanced out in order to gain rationale." 

Her introverted nature is evident in her preference for letting her work speak for itself, highlighting a commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity. This hidden competitor unveiled the intricate dance between swimming and creativity. While Farrell acknowledged the effort to maintain a distinction, a fascinating realization emerged – the therapeutic impact of swimming on creative clarity.

 Farrell's introspective approach to art resonated with the notion that personal experiences, when shared, can bridge individual narratives with broader societal themes.

Mostly inspired by music lyrics, Farrell found her unique voice, seeking to convey personal experiences that resonate on a broader cultural and political scale. Intriguingly, Farrell drew parallels between the Women's Movement mantra, "the personal is political," and the intention behind the art – an attempt to weave personal experiences into a broader cultural and political tapestry. Farrell's aspirations extended beyond mere self-expression, aiming to provoke thought, question societal dynamics, and offer relatable perspectives through artistic endeavors.

Peyton scoring important points in the 200 yards butterfly for the Ohio Swimming and Diving team during the 2024 MAC Championships. Photo by Josie Bunstine

Balancing the demands of being a student-athlete with her artistic pursuits, Farrell managed to publish her first collection of poems at the age of 18. Reflecting on her writing journey, she acknowledges the ebb and flow of creative inspiration. In a world where emotions are often the driving force behind artistic expression, Farrell recognizes the importance of tempering intense emotions with a thoughtful and reflective approach to her craft. 

"I hope that all of my work doesn't come from emotional turmoil," Farrell said, recognizing the potential pitfalls of relying solely on intense emotions for artistic expression.

Farrell's artistic journey extends beyond the realm of words into the visual landscape of photography. Exploring the intersection of these two mediums, she envisions the creation of zines as a unique form of expression that integrates her photography and writing. This intersection allows for a more immersive and multi-dimensional experience for the audience, where visual and written art coalesce to convey a more profound narrative.

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, Farrell grapples with the pressure to self promote while recognizing the overwhelming nature of such platforms. As an introverted artist, she finds solace in the idea of letting her work speak for itself, acknowledging the internal struggle between artistic integrity and the demands of self-promotion.

"I think a lot of artists say that they tend to get more questions from their art rather than answers.” Farrell explains, “In mine, I don't hope to provide a definitive solution to anything, but rather just questions about societal dynamics."

Looking ahead, Farrell envisions herself as a successful writer and photographer, continuing her education in pursuit of deeper knowledge in fields closer to her heart, such as English or history. As she navigates the complex intersection of athleticism and artistry, Farrell stands poised to make waves, both in the pool and on the page, leaving an indelible mark on the world of creative expression. Whether she's gliding through the water or capturing the world through her lens, Farrell's journey is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of athleticism and artistry.