Living in a household with my mother and three younger siblings has been challenging, mainly due to recent financial struggles and the upheaval caused by our eviction in August 2023. Despite the hardships, we've secured a new but more expensive place to live. This has strained our finances, leaving us with a half-empty fridge and the constant worry of making ends meet. One of the biggest obstacles I've had to overcome is maintaining my focus on my educational and personal goals amidst these financial difficulties. The stress of our situation often made it hard to concentrate on my studies and artistic pursuits. However, I've learned to adapt and persevere, using my circumstances to motivate me to succeed. These experiences have also shaped my involvement with the greater community. Understanding the struggles faced by families in similar situations, I've dedicated time to volunteering at local food banks and community centers. Through these efforts, I've connected with others facing similar challenges and worked to provide support and resources to those in need. This involvement has reinforced my commitment to giving back and making a difference in my community. My educational goals are driven by a desire to create positive change within my community. I plan to use my education to develop initiatives that address the issues of poverty and housing insecurity that my family and many others face. By pursuing a social work and community development degree, I aim to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to implement practical solutions and advocate for policies that support vulnerable families. Given our financial circumstances, I intend to allocate 50% of the scholarship funds to support my family. This portion will go towards crucial expenses such as bills and groceries, providing relief and stability to my mother and siblings. The remaining funds will be invested in my education, allowing me to focus on my studies and achieve my long-term goals. The remaining 50% of the scholarship funds will be dedicated to advancing my artistic career. I plan to use this portion to invest in high-quality art supplies, materials, and equipment, including traditional art supplies, painting materials, larger canvases, and easels, all of which are essential for enhancing the quality of my work. The scholarship will empower me to explore new mediums and techniques, fostering creative growth and pushing the boundaries of my artistic expression. In summary, overcoming financial difficulties and housing instability has been a significant challenge. These experiences have shaped my involvement in the community and fueled my determination to pursue educational goals that drive change. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to continue my journey, support my family, and contribute to the well-being of my community.

The art process resembles the music process, starting with sketches and thumbnails, much like musicians begin with demos. These stages lay the groundwork for my creations, akin to how instruments shape a musician's sound. When I complete a piece, it's like releasing a single, while crafting a series feels akin to dropping an album. Half of my work lies heavily in paying homage to musicians, singers, and entertainers I admire, and the other half revolves around themes of race, color, music, beauty, and identity. Inspired by the Neo-expressionist era, The Black Art Movement, and AfriCOBRA, I embrace mixed-media art, utilizing oil sticks and ink as my signature mediums to bring my vision to life. Influenced by admired musicians and entertainers, my portraits pay homage to those who have shaped my artistic journey. Drawing inspiration from artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Mati Klarwein to Elizabeth Catlett and Ernie Barnes, I explore mixed-media art, employing oil sticks, pastels, and ink as my signature mediums. In my creative philosophy, each work of art is like a child and should be treated like your own. I believe that creativity is a form of nurturing and cultivation. Much like raising a child, creating art involves a deep, personal investment of time, energy, and emotion, shaping the core of my creative process. The rich tapestry of my art is crafted from diverse inspirations. My art extends beyond aesthetics, delving into exploring societal issues. Addressing religion, racism, mental health, and climate change, I use my techniques to catalyze meaningful conversations aiming for positive societal change. As I grow as an artist, I welcome viewers to connect with my creations, sparking conversations about the detailed aspects of society woven into my work. My art bridges what you see and feel, providing a unique perspective into the intricate tapestry of human experiences. I hope to inspire, challenge, and contribute to a better world through my art.

I am Joshua Branch-Howell, also known as "H0RS3," a sophomore visual arts major at Virginia State University specializing in studio art. Throughout my college experience, I have explored and experimented with various styles, mediums, and materials, from mixed media and sculptures to digital art and traditional drawings. My creative passion lies in portraits and drawings, often inspired by influential musicians like Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye, and addressing societal issues such as religion, racism, discrimination, mental health, and climate change. Art, for me, is not just a personal pursuit but a means of fostering dialogue and understanding within communities. Through my creations, I aim to shine a light on our time's lesser-known and pressing issues, sparking conversations that lead to positive change. Portraying the essence of musicians and entertainers I admire allows me to connect with a broader audience, bridging gaps between generations and cultures. In this way, my art becomes a vehicle for communication, transcending traditional boundaries and fostering a shared appreciation for the human experience. If granted an extra 24 hours in a day, I would dedicate that time to honing and refining my craft as an artist. To me, making art is an intricate dance between inspiration and discipline. In those additional hours, I would immerse myself in the world of colors, textures, and narratives. When you're creating, every second counts and this extra time would provide the space to experiment with new techniques, delve into uncharted artistic territories, and further develop my distinctive style. The additional hours would be an invaluable investment in the continual evolution of my art, allowing me to push boundaries and reach new heights in my creative journey. I feel most creative when I am immersed in the rich palette of my preferred mediums: colored pencils, acrylics, ink, oils, pastels, charcoal, and watercolor. Each medium holds a unique allure, allowing me to experiment and push the boundaries of my artistic expression. During these times of exploration, my creativity blossoms, fueled by a deep passion for conveying complex emotions and societal narratives through visual storytelling. In conclusion, my creative passion is a personal pursuit and a commitment to using art as a force for positive change. I aspire to contribute to a more compassionate and interconnected world through my diverse portfolio and dedication to community engagement. With an extra 24 hours in the day, I would amplify my efforts in community outreach, realizing the potential of art to unite, inspire, and elevate individuals from all walks of life. My journey as an artist is an ongoing narrative of growth, exploration, and the belief that creativity can shape a brighter future.