Books have taught me to see the beauty in the world–a glimpse of light in darkness–and have influenced me to pursue a career dedicated to never forgetting the stories of the past. I have loved reading my entire life; I believe the stories we tell and carry are what maintain our humanity. I was known in my local library as “The Little Sargent”, a coin termed by one of my favorite librarians because I frequently raided their art historical collection (John Singer Sargent was my favorite artist at the time). There is not a day that goes by where I don't learn something new through reading. I have always loved history and understanding those before me, and using it to better myself and my artwork. The most beautiful thing in the world is the connection between our past and present, and we are able to connect to our heritage through the stories we hold onto. Currently, I am an undergraduate Art Conservation major at the University of Delaware. I am originally from Florida; I was led to Delaware because I deeply believe in the importance of maintaining our cultural heritage. Art Conservation and Library Sciences is a broad term–it does not just cover what we traditionally deem as art (paintings, sculptures, etc.). Books, to me, are magnificent works of art. They are glimpses into other times, fiction or nonfiction, and carry the keys to understanding the complexity of human life. The written record helps us understand our ancestors, cope with our reality, and look towards a better future. I am interested in working with library conservation and preservation, specifically to maintain those stories for future generations and ensure they are able to hold onto their heritage. At the moment, I am reading multiple books on World War 1 and the aftermath, as well as art historical books. In my future career, I want to work within library collections focused on the preservation of 18th-20th century works of literature/art. These types of books reveal the otherwise forgotten grief, pain, and perseverance of the world. It is less of an issue of patriotism, and more of a want to be able to keep these people alive through their stories–whether to prevent tragedy from happening again or see what can be done to stop it. Something I have learned is that people tend to forget the awful hate of the world if it is not directly in front of them; these must be preserved to ensure the betterment of society. Literature is tangible evidence that people were here, they lived, and I think that is so incredibly beautiful. I want to understand the world; literature and art transcend time, both universal languages that encapsulate the period they were crafted in. Every culture has stories to tell; they have a voice, and trying to understand that means I have spent 100’s of hours reading, and will luckily spend 1000’s within my life.

“Alive and Kicking -Sargent” When I was 3, my parents let me paint for the first time. Finger paintings and coloring books became everything to me. I loved the act of creating. Later, that turned into taking youth classes at a local community college, art-based summer camps, and “specialty” elementary, middle, and high schools. My parents supported me every step of the way. John Singer Sargent is my favorite artist, the fluidity of his brushstrokes and process towards preserving the beautiful is something I have admired as long as I can remember. For my 15th birthday, my mom knew the only thing I wanted to do was see the ‘Woman in Black’ at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. By the time this trip could happen, my work seemed bleak and uninspired, fueled by a lack of direction. I almost quit something I had loved for so long because I couldn't see a way out. Even though I hadn't known about anything for a while, I knew about her. Honestly, I cried a little, a map held over my face to prevent security from seeing the red in my cheeks. I felt stuck by perceptions of what “good” art was, or even what medium felt right, and now here I was in front of a piece that was originally considered a disgrace to the "goodness" of the art world. Now, M. Gautreau's portrait undisputedly stands as his most famous, and Sargent came back ten-fold. I sketched the painting as soon as I could find a table. I’d fallen in love once again. This work had become part of my identity, as silly as it sounds. There are parts of Sargent's masterpiece in almost every work I’ve made since then, and because of it I returned to painting. I learned to use oil paint, and if it wasn't oil, it was acrylic made to look like oil. Study, experimentation, new teachers, a couple tears, and her–they all brought me back. Eventually, it paid off. Madame X took my portfolio to a small local gallery, then all the way to Cleveland, Ohio. My mom came from Florida–a 1,220-mile, 18-hour trip–to see the opening art show. In a rented car outside, she listened to me talk about the painting program in Cleveland. She started crying and telling me, “This is what makes it all worth it. I believe in you and your work. Please, for me, don’t stop.” One last time, she took me to see her. When we met again years after our first encounter, she was the centerpiece for an adoring crowd. The halls were lined with people, hundreds standing there with me and with thousands passing by throughout the day. At some point, I was able to disappear off onto a wall, and I watched the crackled paint sparkle in ways I had never seen. I plan to pursue an Art Conservation undergraduate degree and later study for a master's. The course focuses on the restoration of precious artworks, and I specifically want to study painting restoration/fine arts. I wish to study this course because I want to be able to understand the incredible stories painted throughout history, preserving the same magic that enamored me during my time in New York City. In that same vein, I also want to be able to study older works up close to become a better artist. After undergraduate school, I plan to head into a master's program, and one day hopefully work in the conservation wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the place that gave me back my love for art.

As I head into my future career, I want to learn how to protect art instead of being the creator. Art Restoration/Conservation is a field that utilizes immense skill in Chemistry, History, Art, Craftsmanship, and Material Sciences in order to restore works of art. The physical objects left behind let the viewer have a direct conversation with the past, and I wish to keep the voices these works have alive by utilizing my own skill as a painter and scientist. Preserving is understanding. It is understanding our human past, and looking towards a brighter future. Especially in recent years, conservators have been vital instruments in ensuring precious works of art return to where they were created. Unfair ‘ownership’ of works, especially during colonization, has led to a loss of cultural knowledge and personal understanding. The communities this impacts are left without something that is central. Reparations/the returning of these magnificent works is crucial to history and culture. Conservators are either able to restore art to how it was originally intended, or make a determination to let the history of an object determine its value. I want to aid in this fight to bring these objects home, to understand them as they once were, and make sure they are protected for all people. During the summer of 2025, I reached out to Barbara Stella, the owner of Stella Art Conservation located in West Palm Beach. She invited me into her studio and I was able to witness firsthand the incredible skill, technology, and talent it takes to understand and conserve works of art. She showed me a hot plate, paintings under giant black lights, as well as the chemistry lab for mixing the right solutions and pigments to emulate a specific time period. The all-women team was incredibly welcoming and inspiring. Being able to see first-hand the dedication of these women gave me an insight into just how important conservation/restoration is as a field. That is the beauty of art. Anyone can create; it’s what unites us across centuries and cultures, but to understand and ensure its vitality is a whole different playing field. Mrs. Stella inspired me to research and apply for Conservation/Restoration programs, and look into the University of Delaware. This fall I will be attending said school, and it is because of her that I understand what I want to dedicate the rest of my life to. I want to be a part of the amazing scientific/artistic world involved in ensuring the future and vitality of art, culture, and community across time.

“Alive and Kicking -Sargent” When I was 3, my parents let me paint for the first time. Finger paintings and coloring books became everything to me. Later, that turned into taking youth classes at a local community college, art-based summer camps, and “specialty” elementary, middle, and high schools. For my 15th birthday, my mom knew the only thing I wanted to do was see the ‘Woman In Black’ at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. By the time this trip could happen my work seemed bleak and uninspired, fueled by a lack of direction. My very own “dark-age” of mediocrity led by nothing and seemingly going nowhere. In all honesty, I almost quit something I had loved for so long because I couldn't see a way out. Though I hadn't known about anything for a while, I knew about her. Honestly, I cried a little, a map held over my face to prevent security from seeing the red in my cheeks. I felt stuck by perceptions of what “good” and "acceptable" art was, or even what medium felt right, and now here I was in front of a piece that a master artist faced major backlash for. Now, M. Gautreau's portrait undisputedly stands as his most famous. I sketched the painting as soon as I could find a table. I’d fallen in love once again. This work had become part of my identity, as silly as it sounds. There are parts of Sargent's masterpiece in almost every work I’ve made since then, and because of it I returned to painting. I learned to use oil paint, and if it wasn't oil it was acrylic made to look like oil. Study, experimentation, new teachers, a couple tears, and her–they all brought me back. Eventually, it paid off. Madame X took my portfolio to a small local gallery, then all the way to Cleveland, Ohio. My mom came from Florida–a 1,220 mile, 18 hour trip–to see the opening art show. In a rented car outside, she listened to me talk about the painting program in Cleveland. She started crying and telling me “This is what makes it all worth it. I believe in you and your work. Please, for me, don’t stop.” One last time, she took me to see her. When we met again years after our first encounter, she was the centerpiece for an adoring crowd. The halls were lined with people, hundreds standing there with me and with thousands passing by throughout the day. At some point, I was able to disappear off onto a wall and I watched the crackled paint sparkle in ways I had never seen. Because of this, I plan to pursue an Art Conservation undergraduate degree and later study for a masters. The course focuses on restoration of precious art works, and I specifically want to study painting restoration. I wish to study this course because I want to be able to understand the incredible stories painted throughout history, preserving the same magic that enamored me during my time in New York City. In that same vein, I also want to be able to study older works up close to become a better artist. After undergraduate school, I plan to head into a masters program, and one day hopefully work in the conservation wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the place that gave me back my love for art.

Starting fall 2026, I’m heading to attend college at the University of Delaware for an Art Conservation BA. The program is outlined by 4 years of intensive applied chemistry, history, art (metal working, painting, carpentry, sculpture), and culture studies as well as mandatory work and internships for networking opportunities/experience. Art Conservation as an undergraduate degree is an extremely rare program—only 3 schools in the U.S. have such a program, and there are less than 20 people admitted every year—it is typically a graduate level course. After these next 4 years I will be attending graduate school to obtain a degree in Painting Restoration. Outside of school, I’ll work for private companies/residencies that build my portfolio. In my professional career my goal is to work as head of the paintings conservation department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, one of the largest and most prestigious museums in the world. By attending undergraduate school at UD it sets the path toward a bright career; this is something I have spent and will spend my entire life pursuing. I will intern at the Winterthur Museum in my sophomore year, likely as a paintings conservator. Freshman and Sophomore year are dedicated to exploring and developing techniques and processes for restoration, as well as networking. My junior year is dedicated to abroad and residency programs, and I plan on attending the World Scholars Florence internship. My senior year is completely dedicated to finding residencies and applying to graduate school. I’ve received the maximum amount of scholarships from my university, but I’m left with repayment of $40,163 every year. I’ve worked 2 jobs during school and fully intend to work during college, $2,000 coming from my university's work-study program and around $6,000 from outside work. I currently have $5,000 saved from my last year of work, that is going into a high yield savings account to pay off debt. I have acquired $9,050 in outside scholarships, and absolutely will keep applying to scholarships to ease the financial burden on my family. My parents are my #1 fans and I cannot plan my future without them, they have been so supportive of my dream to preserve humanities history and culture for a brighter tomorrow. I fully understand that scholarships are not guaranteed, but they are vital in financing my career and I am eternally grateful for all who have helped me achieve my dreams. My dad and grandmother have both co-signed loans of up to $15,000 for my freshman year, and while the next 3 years are not fully covered, the grants I will receive in the coming years will aid in that burden. Success is not linear, and I know that the next couple years come with uncertainty and vulnerability, but having a plan and goal is always beneficial. So many opportunities are opening for me by being able to attend the University of Delaware, and I want to take them as they arise, but ultimately ending up leading my own team at the MET is my goal. I have lived in Florida my entire life, and I’m moving a thousand miles from home to pursue my dream. This field is so unbelievably important to my being as an artist, and I feel it is necessary to use my skill to preserve the beauty of our past to look towards the future. I want to give special thanks to Smart Boys Studio for taking the time to read my application, the work you do is incredibly admirable. Here is a link to my online portfolio and any contact information: https://portfolio-wurqlup.format.com/

As I head into my future career, I want to learn how to protect art instead of being the creator. Art Restoration/Conservation is a field that utilizes Chemistry, Physics, and Material Sciences in order to analyze and restore works of art. Conservators use and develop the latest technology in order to keep history alive. I want to use that knowledge to ensure the next generation of artists are able to understand the history behind works of art because they can see the work how it was originally intended. The physical objects left behind let the viewer have a direct conversation with the past, and I wish to keep that alive by utilizing my own skill as a painter as well as a scientist. To me, art is a language in itself; if I get to be a part of the incredible group of restorers/conservators that dedicate their life to understanding and preserving that language, that will be my greatest work. After undergraduate school, I plan to head into a masters program, and one day hopefully work in the Conservation Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY. I currently volunteer at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, FL. While there I have had the ability to meet with curators, archivists, and volunteers alike who are extremely passionate about the work they do. Particularly, in a conversation with Shawn Yuan and Regina Palm (2 of the Nortons curators) I was able to see just how badly I want to be able to protect these magnificent works of art. Like every person, every work of art has a story and personality. I've spent countless hours in the halls of the Norton, from when I was a little girl to now, and in doing so I've spent a fair share of time with each piece. My entire life I have been involved in the artistic community, and taking care of it’s history means very thing to me. Every work of art in that museum has been carefully preserved by scientists, and I wish to be apart of the growing community of scientists dedicating their lives to protecting human history sustainably for future generations. Similarly, during the summer of 2025, I reached out to Barbara Stella, the owner of Stella Art Conservation also located in West Palm Beach, FL. She invited me into her studio and I was able to witness firsthand the incredible skill, technology, and talent it takes to understand and conserve works of art. She showed me a Hot Plate (used to flatten cracking in paint to easily work on a piece), giant black lights (to see under layers/breakdown chemical signatures), as well as the chemistry lab for mixing the right solutions and pigments to emulate a specific time period. As of late, the restoration/conservation community has researched and tested bio-degradable and sustainable options to preserve artwork, as there is an unspoken rule in the community to not leave any trace behind. The history behind preservation and a new outlook reaching towards sustainability was something that influenced me greatly. The all-women team at Stella Conservation was incredibly welcoming, and inspiring. Mrs. Stella is a forefront in mixing conservation with sustainability, ensuring the materials that she uses to restore works will not bring harm to the environment, moving away from foundational technique. Being able to experience that first hand has greatly impacted me as an artist and scientist, and I would like to contribute to the movement within the community in any way I can. As artists and scientists we can make up stories to go with works of art from even the simplest of brushstrokes; we know the reason behind them due to developments in technology over the past decade. In my future career, I want to continue developing machinery/techniques in order to assist with a growing movement towards sustainability to protect both our histories and the planet. I want to be a part of the amazing scientific/artistic community involved in ensuring the future and vitality of these works. I would like to thank the committee for reviewing my application, the dedication to ensuring the future for female STEM scholars is incredibly admirable. Thank you for your time and efforts.

I currently volunteer at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, FL. While there I have had the ability to meet with curators, archivists, and volunteers alike who are extremely passionate about the work they do. I am a visitor experience volunteer at the museum, which means I make sure people are satisfied with their visit and give information when needed; I've been able to connect with so many wonderful people because of it. My passion for art and want to give back to the museum that has so fundamentally shaped me led me to start volunteering. After a certain number of hours put in, volunteers are invited to formal events, where I have been able to have personal conversations with people who work in this field. I plan to attend the University of Delaware for Art Conservation (specifically paintings restoration) and this was one stepping stone I didn't want to miss out on. Particularly, in a conversation with Shawn Yuan and Regina Palm (2 of the Nortons curators) I was able to see just how badly I want to be able to protect these magnificent works of art and be able to work within the brilliant community of artists. Like every person, every work of art has a story and personality. I've spent countless hours in the halls of the Norton, from when I was a little girl to now, and in doing so I've spent a fair share of time with each piece. We, as artists, can make up stories to go with works of art from even the simplest of brushstrokes because we know the reason behind them. For example, Christ in the Garden of Olives (by painter Paul Gauguin) tells a biblical story in an unusual way-dry brushing, perpendicular strokes, and crosshatching within the piece show changes in concept while Gauguin was painting it. It is also thought to be a symbolic self portrait, something that is almost sacrilegious-so why did he paint it that way? One day a docent and I spent 30 minutes back and forth debating possible theories about the Ginger Jesus. That is the kind of environment I wish to foster and be a part of. Not only an intellectual environment, but one where understanding history becomes fun and accessible. With art restoration and becoming a part of this community means I get to understand these stories on a new level, through scratches in a frame or the cracks in paint, and be able to tell them how they were originally meant to be told. Restoration is a key way to give back to the community that has helped me so much. I want to be someone that gives students and creators the chance to know the past so they can shape the future.

Art has always been my backbone. Creation has been a constant through every phase of my life, and I have been enrolled in art schools and programs as long as I can remember. When I look back at older work I am reminded of who I was, and as a result who I am, because I have a sort of visual archive. Each piece individually shows a different phase of my life, mainly through high school, and how it has changed me. In between the threads of each canvas is a time capsule, showing the bad: separation, death, depression, and stress; but also the good: love, connection, and growth. Art is my joy, and it has helped me understand myself in all aspects of my life. Furthering this, I adore studying and understanding the background of varying artists/movements, because it helps me expand my knowledge artistically and grow as a person. As I head into my future career, I want to learn how to protect art instead of being the creator. I want to use that knowledge to ensure the next generation of artists are able to understand the history behind works of art because they can see the work how it was originally intended. The physical objects left behind let the viewer have a direct conversation with the past, and I wish to keep that alive by utilizing my own skill. To me, art is a language in itself; if I get to be a part of the incredible group of restorers/conservators that dedicate their life to understanding and preserving that language, that will be my greatest work. I am going to use my love for art to protect it for future generations, so they may have the same conversations with paintings that have helped through every phase of my life. In particular, the painting Madame X by John Singer Sargent, brought me back to painting after a long period devoid of any new work. There are parts of Sargent's masterpiece in almost every work I’ve made since then. Carrying on a legacy that powerful through my own work as a painting restorer, and painter myself, is the most important thing in the world to me. After undergraduate school, I plan to head into a masters program, and one day hopefully work in the conservation wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This painting is my senior piece, the last exhibited work of art at my current high school. The work is titled, "Bead of My Heart", and was labeled as such to reflect the deep impact those around me have had on my life and education. For almost a year, I had been asking my friends, family, and teachers what their favorite shape and color was. You would be surprised by the amount of odd looks you get when asking someone their favorite shape. I wanted parts of the people I have loved most throughout high school to be with me for my final Exhibition. During my 4 years at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, I have had many ups and downs. I started initially as a Digital Arts & Photography major, and was placed in my first painting class (in 2 years) when I got to my junior year. I went to an art middle school as well, so switching between mediums like that was jarring. My junior year, I made a grand total of one great piece. Something similar in concept to my senior work, it was a gift to my mom as I studied and emulated her favorite artists, Gustave Klimt, style. It was a portrait of my sister and I as children, cloaked in heavy gold fabric with shapes representing people/experiences I had up until that point. I wanted to bring that motif in with my final work, as well as use it as a tribute. This is also where I discovered a technique where I could mimic oil paint using acrylic on loose canvas. Safe to say, I absolutely fell in love with painting and what I could accomplish through experimentation. The admiration I have for the people in my life runs deep. The support, love, and kindness I have been shown is not something everyone has, and I am incredibly lucky to have experienced it. They act as my heart, I wouldn't be where I am today without a single one of them. I am a college-bound senior, and the warm colors are meant to reflect home, safety, and love, and the cold blue creeping in is meant to show the uncertainty I face leaving home in such a way for such a long time. I am attending the University of Delaware for Art Conservation, specifically paintings restoration, a profession where I am able to keep the stories alive for other artists so they may have the experiences I've had. Experimentation in Art has driven every part of my being, and I wanted to express that with the hand being in a style that isn't familiar to me, the dry-brushed white paint being for a blank slate. I also want to show my website, which houses many of my other works for reference! Thank you for your time. https://portfolio-wurqlup.format.com/

As I head into my future career, I want to learn how to protect art instead of being the creator. Art Restoration/Conservation is a field that utilizes Chemistry, Physics, and Material Sciences in order to analyze and restore works of art. Conservators use and develop the latest technology in order to keep history alive. I want to use that knowledge to ensure the next generation of artists are able to understand the history behind works of art because they can see the work how it was originally intended. The physical objects left behind let the viewer have a direct conversation with the past, and I wish to keep that alive by utilizing my own skill as a painter as well as a scientist. To me, art is a language in itself; if I get to be a part of the incredible group of restorers/conservators that dedicate their life to understanding and preserving that language, that will be my greatest work. After undergraduate school, I plan to head into a masters program, and one day hopefully work in the conservation wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I currently volunteer at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, FL. While there I have had the ability to meet with curators, archivists, and volunteers alike who are extremely passionate about the work they do. Particularly, in a conversation with Shawn Yuan and Regina Palm (2 of the Nortons curators) I was able to see just how badly I want to be able to protect these magnificent works of art and be able to work within the brilliant community of artists and scientists. Like every person, every work of art has a story and personality. I've spent countless hours in the halls of the Norton, from when I was a little girl to now, and in doing so I've spent a fair share of time with each piece. Similarly, during the summer of 2025, I reached out to Barbara Stella, the owner of Stella Art Conservation also located in West Palm Beach. She invited me into her studio and I was able to witness firsthand the incredible skill, technology, and talent it takes to understand and conserve works of art. She showed me a Hot Plate (used to flatten cracking in paint to easily work on a piece), giant black lights (to see underlayers), as well as the chemistry lab for mixing the right solutions and pigments to emulate a specific time period. The all-women team was incredibly welcoming, and inspiring. We, as artists, can make up stories to go with works of art from even the simplest of brushstrokes; we know the reason behind them due to developments in technology over the past decade. I want to be a part of the amazing scientific/artistic community involved in ensuring the future and vitality of these works.

During my freshman year, Brian Delgado was my Creative Photography 1 teacher. Since the beginning Mr. Delgado has been a bright light in my life. I came from the visual track at Bak Middle School of the Arts, and I was starting to hate creating art. To me it was pointless and bleak, and everyone seemed to be better than me. I was nervous about meeting new people and embarrassing myself by doing something I had never done before. When I first got to Dreyfoos, my current high school, Mr. Delgado immediately welcomed me with open arms. I struggled that entire year with working too “tight”--I would get upset if a piece wasn't perfect because I thought I could do better. Mr. Delgado took the time and helped me become more fluid with my work because he could see how perfectionism was ruining my love for art. He reminded me that no work of art is truly perfect, and that I need to take care of myself before I can even reach for it. He believed in me even when I didn't have any faith in myself, and I know he does that for each and every one of his students. Sophomore year I struggled even worse, especially with our mock “Sustained Investigation” (a term for AP courses) but his faith never wavered. He continued to work with me and support me through one of the worst periods of block I had ever experienced. By juries that year I had gotten my passion for art back, and Mr. Delgado is the main reason behind that. While I did not have him my junior year as I was placed in a 2-D art class focused on painting with another teacher, he continued to cheer me on and pushed me to explore the limits of what I could do. It is because of him I have fallen back in love with art. Mr. Delgado is currently my Senior Portfolio teacher, and while I may have strayed from photography, Mr. Delgado has never stopped believing in me or my work. He puts so much care into helping his students be the best artists and people they can possibly be, and I am endlessly grateful. Teachers like Mr. Delgado are the reason students are successful and passionate about the work they do. I know I personally owe him my love for art, now my chosen career in Art Restoration, and I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to be his student.

Art has always been my backbone. Creation has been a constant through every phase of my life, and I have been enrolled in art schools and programs as long as I can remember. When I look back at older work I am reminded of who I was, and as a result who I am, because I have a sort of visual archive. Each piece individually shows a different phase of my life, mainly through high school, and how it has changed me. In between the threads of each canvas is a time capsule, showing the bad: separation, death, depression, and stress; but also the good: love, connection, and growth. Art is my joy, and it has helped me understand myself in all aspects of my life. Furthering this, I adore studying and understanding the background of varying artists/movements, because it helps me expand my knowledge artistically and grow as a person. As I head into my future career, I want to learn how to protect art instead of being the creator. I want to use that knowledge to ensure the next generation of artists are able to understand the history behind works of art because they can see the work how it was originally intended. The physical objects left behind let the viewer have a direct conversation with the past, and I wish to keep that alive by utilizing my own skill as a painter. To me, art is a language in itself; if I get to be a part of the incredible group of restorers/conservators that dedicate their life to understanding and preserving that language, that will be my greatest work. I plan to pursue an Art Conservation undergraduate degree and later study for a masters. The course focuses on restoration of precious art works, and I specifically want to study painting restoration. After I graduate with a masters degree, I want to be able to travel internationally and work on projects that will help maintain and preserve history/culture. I plan to work hard enough and build strong connections within the community to one day work as a painting restoration technician in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY, working my way up to senior restoration artist at a museum. The restoration/conservation of precious objects and paintings is just as important as the museums that house them, because conservation technicians are able to tell the story of a piece how it was originally intended and keep that part of history alive.

Art has always been my backbone. Creation has been a constant through every phase of my life, and I have been enrolled in art schools and programs as long as I can remember. When I look back at older work I am reminded of who I was, and as a result who I am, because I have a sort of visual archive. Each piece individually shows a different phase of my life, mainly through high school, and how it has changed me. In between the threads of each canvas is a time capsule, showing the bad: separation, death, depression, and stress; but also the good: love, connection, and growth. Art is my joy, and it has helped me understand myself in all aspects of my life. Furthering this, I adore studying and understanding the background of varying artists/movements, because it helps me expand my knowledge artistically and grow as a person. As I head into my future career, I want to learn how to protect art instead of being credited as a sole creator. I want to use that knowledge to ensure the next generation of artists are able to understand the history behind works of art because they can see an object how it was originally intended. The physical objects left behind let the viewer have a direct conversation with the past, and I wish to keep that conversation alive utilizing my own skill as a painter. To me, art is a language in itself; if I get to be a part of the incredible group of restorers/conservators that dedicate their life to understanding and preserving that language, that will be my greatest work. After undergraduate school, I plan to head into a masters program, and one day hopefully work in the conservation wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We, as artists, can make up stories to go with works of art from even the simplest of brushstrokes because we know the reason behind them. For example, Christ in the Garden of Olives tells a biblical story in an unusual way-dry brushing, perpendicular strokes, and crosshatching within the piece show changes in concept while Gauguin was painting it. A docent at the Norton Museum of Art and I spent 30 minutes back and forth debating possible theories about the Ginger Jesus; that is the kind of environment I wish to foster and be a part of. I want to understand these stories, through scratches in a frame or the cracks in paint, and be able to tell them how they were originally meant to be told. Restoration is a key way to give back to the community that has helped me so much. I want to be someone that gives students and creators the chance to know the past so they can shape the future.