"Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one."  This quote by Stella Adler relates to me because, through all my hardships in life, from bullies to much worse, I've always had art as something that helped me get through it all. Art isn't paint and canvas; it's about the process and the feelings of the person as a human—the experiences of a human, the hardships and turmoil, love, and lively days. Art feels like home to me; each piece of art is unique, just as every person is unique. As a human, I know not everyone will like me the same with my art. As an artist, I have worked with a plethora of media. I work with acrylic, oils, and watercolor, but I've expanded to gouache, ceramics, digital art, makeup on canvas, face, and clay. I've worked big and small; I've worked on canvas, paper, and water bottles. As a human, I am as unique and diverse as my art, which makes me and my art special. 

I am very open to learning new mediums, which I enjoy. I love expanding my horizons and going outside of my box. This is something. I'm very proud of and plan to carry through not only college but my whole life. I also play clarinet, and I enjoy it even though I'm not professional. I worked very hard, and now, in my senior year, I am in the highest band for the first time. The band is where I learned how to tough it out and take the critiques. I've grown tremendously from first year to now. I'm more confident in my playing ability than ever and plan to carry my clarinet through college. Art has also taken that toughness, and now I'm very comfortable knowing how to improve myself. Each piece I create has a part of me put into it and every project I put myself into, including the band. Often, music can be just as colorful as paint.

Colors are hugely important in my process; I love bright, vibrant colors and using contrasting colors to apply shadows. Portraits are one of my comfort areas. Currently, in my AP2D portfolio, I am working on using myself to do self-portraits, as that is a weak spot in my abilities. It's easier than I thought. I enjoy pushing myself to learn and grow; after I went to the School of Chicago Art Institute for National Portfolio Day, I got incredible feedback. Art is the most meaningful part of my life, and I love fulfilling my passion! I plan on pursuing my art through the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, where I will get my Bachelor in Fine Arts in studio painting! Im incredibly excited about this opportunity and for everyone in my life who supported me to this point, from teachers, family, and, of course, my best friend, my boyfriend, and my mom and dad. Thank you also for taking the time to read this and enjoying my art and that of my peers!