In art, collaboration is an extremely important step to grow as an artist. Being able to know the artists in your area and learn from them is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. As a shy artist, though, it was harder to branch out. I wanted to know who was in the area and wanted to share their experience with galleries or making art. I wanted to know everything, and my personality stopped me oftentimes because I was too nervous to make the first move. I believe that with time, though, it gets better, as you gain more experience, it almost feels like a competition to meet the most artists in one area. Most are super friendly, too, which helped me put my guard down. Working together to form an idea or making art together has always been a part of my dreams because the way humans interact with each other is so much more interesting to watch and learn from than experiencing all these scary things alone. As a self-taught artist, collaboration has helped me branch out and grow as a person, artistically, and throughout my life. Once, I met a man who had shown in over 900 galleries. I met him at the Art Works Deland Gallery in Downtown Deland. I was extremely moved as an artist because to know someone who has shown in so many areas in so many shows and hasn't gotten burnt out is incredible and drives me to become a better artist. I asked him a ton of questions, and he was super open to making sure that I understood where he was coming from and that the information was correct. I was paying attention the entire time, and it made me feel like I was being sucked into this positive black hole of information that I could use later in my future. From then on, I was thinking about my future self. Although I never thought that I could ever show that many shows before, it was amazing to meet someone who did and was still showing their art and making a difference. The inspiration hit me with a bang and made me want to draw something quickly. Afterwards, it felt like I was hit with the wisdom of a powerful wizard, and it made me feel like I was more prepared to step into the art world. Collaboration is timeless, and whoever you collaborate with can help you move forward as an artist and become a better person.

The biggest influence in my life has been my mom, who is known to everyone as the iconic Mrs. Peaches. She has been the most creative, funny, and motivational person in my life. Not only her daring personality but also her outgoing bubbly spirit have made me think that she is too much. Her personality is contagious and will attack you with kindness or pettiness depending on the day. She has never been anything less than who she is and has always inspired me to be loud and chaotic in every lifetime. My mom is my best friend. I can tell her absolutely anything, and she would tell me as a friend that I am either out of my mind or completely right for feeling some type of way, and that's what makes her so iconic and influential in my life. I cannot live without her annoying me or making me laugh because of the way that she can bring anything into a topic and sing her heart out off of 2 words. She has also been an amazing undercover manager for my artistic desires. She has been my number 1 supporter since I came out of her womb. Those artistic skills include being able to use anything and everything to make a piece. I love to use all sorts of mediums, and I tend to make things out of anything I can find. I am not an expensive artist, and most of my work is made using the Walmart acrylic paints or the cheap Dollar Tree brushes. Another skill I have is the ability to create multiple pieces based on one idea. I have created a series or two already that I can show together at some point at multiple art shows. And since most of my art is based around my life experiences, it is quite easy to make things fast or just have tons of ideas on hand. These skills will come in handy when I graduate because they will help me create more art collections in the future. My use of multiple mediums can diversify my artistry and ultimately make my portfolio more appealing. I like to think that my artistic gifts are different because I have been creating with my hands for a long time, and I have always thought about making a difference in the art world as an Afro-Latina. For me as an artist, using all of the mediums in the world in a painting has made meput together that we need more artist that represent their culture in their art and are proud to be different. I have always looked, when I was younger, for someone to look up to as an artist, and was looking for someone who created art from a mixed-race perspective. And since I did not find it how I wanted to find it, I wanted to make that change and be the one to create and advocate for those who are mixed and proud. That is my mission and my goal. (The puzzle pieces are 3D-printed ceramics, and the drum with the dancer represents Puerto Rican culture. The lid of the drum comes off and is functional)

With as few words as possible, my artistry. Honestly, my skin color and my identity have shaped my commitment as an artist in this world. The world as it is right now needs more people who can speak up for themselves. They need someone to say something, or even show something that can resonate with them. Even if it's something small. Art is powerful as hell. Making it for others to look at and connect with has always been my passion, ever since I was younger. I've strived to be the best version of myself and had big dreams. But for some reason, I've always struggled to find a good mentor or someone I could look up to who was doing the same things I was doing. As an Afro-Latina from Puerto Rico, my skin looks different, and the way that I talk can be perceived as loud or obnoxious. Those things never stopped me from bringing more awareness to those who have more than one race in them. Mixed people matter, and seeing art that was created by someone who looked like me or came from a similar background to me has been my ultimate goal. So, I must create. I want everyone, regardless of where they come from or who raised them, to understand my art in a way. A lot of times, my art can be chaotic. It can be peaceful and, best of all, it can be absolutely beautiful. Multi-media mediums help me create what I want people to take from my art, and using anything and everything makes me feel whole as a human. Art isn't robotic or AI for me, its tradtional and a way of communication. But this is only the beginning of my awesome journey. I want to start with getting my Bachelor's in Studio Arts at Stetson University. My freshman portfolio has earned me the full tuition scholarship, so why not have an even bigger dream of going to USF for my Master's? And after that, I want to make sure my art is seen by anyone and everyone. Museums, workshops, murals, galleries, and even my own studios. That's why I've been working hard on getting a minor in Entrepreneurship as well. To make my dreams become a reality, I promise to advocate for those who come from multiple backgrounds and stay creative for the rest of my life. That is my mission.

Other cultures and ethnic backgrounds inspire me to create art. I always take inspiration from nature and the music that I listen to. I primarily work with all traditional media, but recently I've been trying to get into ceramics as well. I want to create pieces that speak loudly and represent every type of ethnical background. I want them to be visually pleasing, but specifically voice my concerns about not representing everyone properly in art. A lot of art is just specifically targeted to one race or ethnicity, sometimes they don't speak for those with multiple backgrounds, and I want to change that.

I plan to create art that speaks for those who need to be represented. I make art to make art. I wouldn't say that there is always a positive impact, but honestly, music and art are very controversial and deserve to be presented in the most raw and authentic ways [possible]. A lot of my pieces are reflections of myself. I make a lot of self-portraits or portrayals of myself that can be interpreted any which way. The good thing is that my art can be understood by many because of its authenticity. My art reflects my life and how I tend to live it day by day, so when creating the piece, I want my viewers to feel my raw emotions genuinely. I want to make sure that people look at my art and grab a sense of hope, reassurance, and happiness. Emotionally, my art pieces come from an extensive process of research. I want to make sure that the pieces that represent other cultures are presented the right way and make those from that culture feel included. I tend to try to make all of my pieces fit together and have one tying element. Other than making the piece from the ground up, I also invest a lot of time into them, so that the audience knows how much time I put into my pieces because of the details I added.

I create art that helps me see my dreams and visions come alive. Although my art process is painful mentally due to the enormous amount of thinking and planning, the dreams that I dream of are detailed. They are so detailed a lot of times my brain doesn't know how to put it on paper. Then my creativity kicks in and I realize I can draw what I see personally as an artist. I create art using graphite, colored pencils, acrylic paint, and my beautiful hands. Of course, I use paintbrushes and pencils to put the ideas on paper, but what I am grateful for is my talent through my hands. The process all starts with my brain and Pinterest boards. I always love to look for inspiration there because it helps my brain focus on one certain topic. Otherwise, my thoughts would take over and I would not be able to focus well. Next, I would sketch out the inspiration and branch off from there. Those sketches from my sketchbook are simply messy and all over the place but they flow well in my brain. I would put on music to help me organize a simpler version of the idea. My favorite genre would be 90s R&B. I love to listen to old-school artists to help me relax and let all the creative juices fuel me. For me, music is also a form of self-expression just like traditional art. I love to relate my pieces to music as well because the emotions that the melodies and rhythms have make my heart happy. My art is always based on nature or beauty because my talents are well-represented. I love to include flowers or aspects of nature in my pieces. Botanicals represent power and royalty to me in art. In art class, I always love to be in my element when working on my pieces. I love to paint outside in nature and listen to music while I work. In a regular classroom, my overwhelming thoughts need an outlet. I get so focused on one thing that my mind forgets the outside and I tend to lose track of time easily. I love to see myself in my element, it makes me happy when I draw, paint, or even formulate ideas for another project. Creating art is a unique experience for every artist. It is a way of expressing oneself and conveying emotions through different mediums, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and more. For me, creating art is a therapeutic process that allows me to escape from reality and enter into a world of my own. It is an opportunity to explore my imagination and bring my ideas to life. As an artist, I always strive to challenge myself and try new techniques. I am constantly experimenting with different mediums and tools to enhance my skills. I believe that the process of creating art is just as important as the final product. Each stroke of the brush or pencil is intentional and meaningful, and it is important to take the time to appreciate each step of the process. For example, my hands are a very important piece of me. They are one of my favorite parts of my body. To me, they are more than a part of me. They fuel my vision, and they spark my ideas as an artist. It’s like they are on fire but never burned my skin. My hands are used for more than just art though, they also help me play sports and cook my favorite meals. Visually, I see my hands to be the most important part of my artistry and creativity in my life. One of my favorite parts of creating art is the feeling of satisfaction that I get when I complete a piece. It is a sense of accomplishment that is hard to replicate in any other aspect of life. I also love to share my art with others and see their reactions. It is a chance to connect with people on a deeper level and communicate through a visual medium. In conclusion, creating art is a beautiful and fulfilling experience that allows artists to express themselves in unique and meaningful ways. It is a journey of self-discovery and exploration that is constantly evolving. I feel grateful for my talent and the ability to create art that speaks to me and others. In the future I would love to continue sharing my art with illustrators in books or comics, and paint murals outide of new businesses and bring a new powerful light to the world that nonody has seen before.

The process all starts with my brain and Pinterest boards. I always love to look for inspiration there because it helps my brain focus on one certain topic. Otherwise, my thoughts would take over and I would not be able to focus well. Next, I would sketch out the inspiration and branch off from there. Those sketches from my sketchbook are simply messy and all over the place but they flow well in my brain. I would put on music to help me organize a simpler version of the idea. My favorite genre would be 90s R&B. I love to listen to old-school artists to help me relax and let all the creative juices fuel me. For me, music is also a form of self-expression just like traditional art. I love to relate my pieces to music as well because the emotions that the melodies and rhythms have make my heart happy. My art is always based on nature or beauty because my talents are well-represented. I love to include flowers or aspects of nature in my pieces. Botanicals represent power and royalty to me in art. In art class, I always love to be in my element when working on my pieces. I love to paint outside in nature and listen to music while I work. In a regular classroom, my overwhelming thoughts need an outlet. I get so focused on one thing that my mind forgets the outside and I tend to lose track of time easily. I love to see myself in my element, it makes me happy when I draw, paint, or even formulate ideas for another project.

As a Black and Hispanic artist, creating is always a unique experience. It started with a crayon, or some type of colored pencil. I saw how much value something you can write with can shift the view once layered, or even expressed through emotions. It is a way of expressing oneself and conveying emotions through different mediums, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and more. For me, creating art is a therapeutic process that allows me to escape from reality and enter into a world of my own. It is an opportunity to explore my imagination and bring my ideas to life. As an artist, I always strive to challenge myself and try new techniques. I am constantly experimenting with different mediums and tools to enhance my skills. I believe that the process of creating art is just as important as the final product. Each stroke of the brush or pencil is intentional and meaningful, and it is important to take the time to appreciate each step of the process. For example, my hands are a very important piece of me. They are one of my favorite parts of my body. To me, they are more than a part of me. They fuel my vision, and they spark my ideas as an artist. It’s like they are on fire but never burned my skin. My hands are used for more than just art though, they also help me play sports and cook my favorite meals. Visually, I see my hands to be the most important part of my artistry and creativity in my life. One of my favorite parts of creating art is the feeling of satisfaction that I get when I complete a piece. For me, music is also a form of self-expression just like traditional art. I love to relate my pieces to music as well because the emotions that the melodies and rhythms have make my heart happy. My art is always based on nature or beauty because my talents are well-represented. I love to include flowers or aspects of nature in my pieces. Botanicals represent power and royalty to me in art. In art class, I always love to be in my element when working on my pieces. I love to paint outside in nature and listen to music while I work. My favorite artist I've ever learned from was my uncle Axel. He taught me the basics of shading, and proportions. He also saw the world differently which made me feel less alone. Since he is a part of my family, it made the connection deeper and more spiritual as well.

My biggest influence in my life was probably my uncle axel. Before he passed, he was an amazing tattoo artist and illustrator. When I was growing up, I always looked up to his talents and inspired to be like him every day. He used to live with my grandma, and on the weekends, I would go over to her house and show him my artwork. He taught me so much about the basics about being an artist and inspired me to take it seriously. Only until after he passed, I never understood how much he helped me grow. It was the summer during covid-19, and I had so much time on my hands. I drew a piece every single day. Little me didn't even know that eventually I would get a 4 on my first Ap Studio art portfolio, and eventually get into Stetson University with a full-ride art scholarship. In the future, I plan to create art that helps me see my dreams and visions come alive. They are so detailed a lot of times my brain doesn't know how to put it on paper. Then my creativity kicks in and I realize I can draw what I see personally as an artist. I create art using graphite, colored pencils, acrylic paint, and my beautiful hands. Of course, I use paintbrushes and pencils to put the ideas on paper, but what I am grateful for is my talent through my hands. The process all starts with my brain and Pinterest boards. I always love to look for inspiration there because it helps my brain focus on one certain topic. Next, I would sketch out the inspiration and branch off from there I would put on music to help me organize a simpler version of the idea. For me, music is also a form of self-expression just like traditional art. I love to relate my pieces to music as well because the emotions that the melodies and rhythms have make my heart happy. My art is always based on nature or beauty because my talents are well-represented. I love to include flowers or aspects of nature in my pieces. Botanicals represent power and royalty to me in art. In art class, I always love to be in my element when working on my pieces. I love to paint outside in nature and listen to music while I work. Each stroke of the brush or pencil is intentional and meaningful, and it is important to take the time to appreciate each step of the process. For example, my hands are a very important piece of me. They are one of my favorite parts of my body. To me, they are more than a part of me. They fuel my vision, and they spark my ideas as an artist. It’s like they are on fire but never burned my skin. My hands are used for more than just art though, they also help me play sports and cook my favorite meals. Visually, I see my hands to be the most important part of my artistry and creativity in my life. One of my favorite parts of creating art is the feeling of satisfaction that I get when I complete a piece. It is a sense of accomplishment that is hard to replicate in any other aspect of life. I feel grateful for my talent and the ability to create art that speaks to me and others.

As an artist, my favorite piece I have ever made is a self-portrait where I depicted myself as a nature goddess. This piece is specials to me because it contains hidden details about my life and allows viewers to interpret these connections in their own way. The self-portrait reflects my physical appearance rather than my inner beauty. In the portrait, I have multiple sets of hands. One hand holds my face on the right side, revealing a flower face underneath my skin, symbolizing my inner beauty. Another hand holds a volleyball, representing my passion for the sport. A crown above my head signifies royalty. The other two hands cover my private parts, drawing attention to the flowers around me rather than just my body. This piece is meaningful because it portrays my journey and the complexities of my identity. As a Black and Hispanic woman entering Stetson University to study Studio Arts, I want to continue creating art that speaks to my experiences and passions. My high school GPA of 3.67 reflects my dedication to my studies, and I am eager to grow as an artist in college. Thank you for considering my application for the Natalie Jude Women in the Arts Scholarship.

I am pursuing a career in Studio Arts because it allows me to bring my dreams and visions to life. Art has always been a way for me to express myself and share my perspective with others. Even though the process can be mentally challenging due to the amount of thinking and planning involved, I find it incredibly rewarding. My dreams are detailed and vivid, often so intricate that it can be hard to translate them onto paper. However, my creativity always finds a way, and I am able to draw what I see in my mind. I create art using different mediums like graphite, colored pencils, and acrylic paint. Each medium allows me to explore different aspects of my creativity and helps me grow as an artist. My hands are my most valuable tools, and I take pride in the work they produce. The act of creating art is not just about the final product; it is about the process and the journey of bringing an idea to life. I am passionate about fine arts because it is a way to connect with others on a deeper level. Art transcends language and cultural barriers, allowing people from different backgrounds to understand and appreciate each other. As a Black and Hispanic woman, I believe that my unique perspective can add to the diversity of the art world. I want to use my art to tell stories that are often overlooked and to represent my community in a positive light. Attending Stetson University and majoring in Studio Arts will provide me with the opportunity to refine my skills and learn from experienced artists. I am excited to be part of a community that values creativity and encourages artistic expression. My high school GPA of 3.67 reflects my dedication and hard work, and I am ready to bring that same level of commitment to my college studies. The John Traxler Theatre Scholarship would allow me to focus on my art without the added stress of financial burdens. It would give me the freedom to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of my creativity. I am eager to learn and grow as an artist, and I believe that this scholarship will help me achieve my goals. In conclusion, I am passionate about fine arts because it is a way for me to express myself and connect with others. My dedication to my craft and my desire to represent my community make me a strong candidate for the John Traxler Theatre Scholarship. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my artistic journey at Stetson University and to contribute to the world of fine arts.

I create art that helps me see my dreams and visions come alive. Although my art process is painful mentally due to the enormous amount of thinking and planning, the dreams that I dream of are detailed. They are so detailed a lot of times my brain doesn't know how to put it on paper. I create art using graphite, colored pencils, acrylic paint, and my beautiful hands. Of course, I use paintbrushes and pencils to put the ideas on paper, but what I am grateful for is my talent through my hands. The process all starts with my brain and Pinterest boards. I always love to look for inspiration there because it helps my brain focus on one certain topic. Next, I would sketch out the inspiration and branch off from there. I would put on music to help me organize a simpler version of the idea. I love to listen to old-school artists to help me relax and let all the creative juices fuel me. For me, music is also a form of self-expression just like traditional art. I love to relate my pieces to music as well because the emotions that the melodies and rhythms have make my heart happy. My art is always based on nature or beauty because my talents are well-represented. I love to include flowers or aspects of nature in my pieces. I love to paint outside in nature and listen to music while I work. In a regular classroom, my overwhelming thoughts need an outlet. I get so focused on one thing that my mind forgets the outside and I tend to lose track of time easily. I love to see myself in my element, it makes me happy when I draw, paint, or even formulate ideas for another project. Creating art is a unique experience for every artist. For me, creating art is a therapeutic process that allows me to escape from reality and enter into a world of my own. It is an opportunity to explore my imagination and bring my ideas to life. As an artist, I always strive to challenge myself and try new techniques. I am constantly experimenting with different mediums and tools to enhance my skills. Each stroke of the brush or pencil is intentional and meaningful, and it is important to take the time to appreciate each step of the process. For example, my hands are a very important piece of me. They are one of my favorite parts of my body. They fuel my vision, and they spark my ideas as an artist. It’s like they are on fire but never burned my skin. My hands are used for more than just art though, they also help me play sports and cook my favorite meals. Visually, I see my hands to be the most important part of my artistry and creativity in my life. It is a chance to connect with people on a deeper level and communicate through a visual medium. In conclusion, creating art is a beautiful and fulfilling experience that allows artists to express themselves in unique and meaningful ways. It is a journey of self-discovery and exploration that is constantly evolving. I feel grateful for my talent and the ability to create art that speaks to me and others.