From a young age, I knew I wanted to be an artist. As a girl, nothing was more exciting than picking up a pencil and transforming a blank piece of paper into a work of art. As a 20 year old, creating still holds so much joy for me. My preferred mediums are acrylic, watercolor, and graphite on paper. Taking art classes at my community college has introduced me to even more mediums and I now enjoy pottery and woodworking as well! Although I have dabbled in digital art, for me nothing can compare to a physical medium. I love feeling the crinkle of the paper, the smell of the paint, and seeing the raw color come to life. Growing up homeschooled, I was given ample opportunity to let my creativity flourish. My parents encouraged me whenever I would draw and I would spend hours staring at picture books trying to recreate the art of fairytales and folklore. Reading was always encouraged in our house, which instilled in me a passion and a love for story telling. My sister and I would write books for each other and illustrate them, creating entire worlds that I still hold dear to my heart. The imaginative games that we played as little girls are still one of my main sources of inspiration today. When I was a young teen, I started to take my art more seriously and honed in on my technique. My tutor was strict, but she taught me so much and opened my eyes to what I was capable of as an artist. I am forever grateful to her. It was then that I realized there was nothing else I would rather do with my life. As a 20 year old I am proud to have already accomplished some of my dreams. In 2024 I illustrated my first official children’s book written by a local author in my hometown. I am currently illustrating my second children’s book written by the same author. In 2025 I designed several logos for businesses in town, including custom t-shirts for our local Historical Society. I also currently sell my original art and prints at a Tea Cottage, where I work part time as a waitress. Occasionally I teach paint night classes, sharing the joy of painting with my community. I am grateful to be surrounded by other extremely creative people at my job every day. In addition to finding inspiration from nature and stories, I am also inspired by a wide range of past artists. I love the whimsical darkness of Arthur Racham, the bright simplicity of Wayne Thiebaud, and the detailed gardens of William Morris. All of these artists play a crucial role in my creative journey. One day I hope to bring my own fairytales to life with my illustrations, inspiring children and adults alike. I want to spread my joy and creativity around the world and study in Italy to further my art education. In a world that so often focuses on the plain and the functional, I want my art to remind everyone of the intricate beauty that can be displayed with paper and ink. In a world of Modernism, I want to make magic. In a world of Minimalists, I want to paint mermaids. I thank God for the family that he has blessed me with, especially my siblings. They inspire me to create and make me laugh every day. I hope to reflect God’s love through the talents he has given me.