My name is Raena Sosa, and I am proudly a part of the Chippewa Cree Tribe on the Rocky Boy reservation. I love my heritage, but what I adore most is the art. I am currently going to college for a degree in Fine arts in order to continue representing my culture in a way a lot of people can enjoy and appreciate! Painting and Drawing. My love for Native Art is the reason why I love art in the first place. Painting horses, and beautiful Native women is what I look forward to everyday. It connects me to my family and home on the reservation as well as the nature there. Because I am focused on my education, I can only visit my reservation in Montana from time to time, leading me to miss a lot of events and celebrations every year. One of those events being the powwow where everyone gets together to dance and sell beaded earrings and food. Just imagining another summer go by without me being there hurts my soul. When I was really young, something happened that led me to live with my father outside the reservation. So for a good couple of years, I didn't get to see my family on the rez. I ended up losing a lot of friends and feeling ostracized when I finally came back. However, what makes me feel at home is the nature I'm surrounded by. So even though currently I'm 1,000 miles away from home, the paintings I make help me feel closer. I hope that if any other Native American sees my work, it feels a little closer to home too. I want to make sure other Native Americans aren't afraid to jump into a career they like even if its far away from home. I want people to feel comfortable seeing Native art(and native people in general). Did you know Native American people were the first to teach art ? A lot tend to forget that. And just as much as I think Natives can do well in STEM, we can also do well at what we started, art. That is why I'm in this difficult field. To show my love of Native culture and art in order to build a bridge for people to cross into the indigenous world around them. Being Native American is a blessing and such a testimony to the people before us, and how far they've come despite what was done to us.

My interest in Fine Art is all about capturing what it means to be a Native American! I am proud to be from the Chippewa Cree Tribe on the Rocky Boy reservation in Montana, as well as some connection to the Black Foot Tribe. I try to invoke the feeling of the big sky on my reservation through my landscape paintings, and the culture of my people through my figure/ground paintings. What I obsess over is what I see on my reservation, it includes my people, horses, the one sky, and my family. Art is truly the only reason I get excited to accomplish anything in life. Going to work or eating gives me another second to work on what I love. What I love is the art I make that everyone can enjoy One person who has helped me along my journey is my professor, James. He is an experienced artist who has met with Hiram Williams, and many other artist from across the globe. Not surprisingly, he has lived in Montana and seen the land that I long for, as well. Because of this, he knows what I am trying to achieve as well as my message to other native artists in this world. He has currently got me an opportunity to connect with one of his old students to help me get my paintings out there, or at least to be noticed in some capacity. Without my professor, I wouldn't have gotten this far, much less got to be a semester away from graduation with a fine arts degree. My professor has taught me different ways to use tone, chrome, size, shape, and position in order to make a good painting. I'm using all the lessons taught from him to continue my culture on Native American art for the rest of my life. James has taught me to not let anyone interfere with my studies and my culture and to focus on what art is all about. Art is about problem solving within our boundaries. All artists work on a problem and once the problem is solved, then there is a need to start on another painting. It is always about the journey and process of the art, not the finished product or the end result. Anyone who enjoys art knows that making art is fun, but also stressful. It is addictive, but all too complicated at the same time. We still enjoy it nonetheless.

My name is Raena Margaret Sosa from the Chippewa Cree tribe that resides on the Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana. I am currently a junior at the University of Southern Mississippi majoring in Painting and Drawing. While at USM, I have learned that I love making landscape and western themed paintings. The great thing about that is that it can be entered in different kinds of galleries across the US while also promoting Native American life and culture. In the Art world, It's hard to see handmade native work, since there is an unfortunate barrier between the world and us. Art, in all its brilliance, has always been a way to connect people from around the world, and bring curiosity and understanding between people who probably don't even speak the same language. I intended to use that with my work. You don’t have to be native american to enjoy western or landscape paintings. You can just enjoy how they look while also recognizing natives and native lifestyles in it. The success of my career allows a Native American out in an extremely competitive fine arts world, bringing attention to needs and focus on communities that need help and make a statement that we are still here. Art, as much as people won't admit it, is important to society. It's able to bring people together across different cultures through understanding or the sharing and appreciating of amazing art. It how we were able to see through the lends early human life, native Americans, and other tribes. Without art, every idea or life that has ever existed, wouldn't have been known. That fact alone is Why I work on Native American Art. My work as an artist isn't to cater to Native Americans, but rather to the masses. I want people to enjoy being Native American art because they like it. I want them to be comfortable with seeing the beauty in my heritage, and I believe art is the best way to do that. Art is everywhere. It's not just on the walls, its on the sidewalk, it's the building you're in, its in the packaging of the soda you bought, and it's in phone you are looking at. The reason why you like something or a product is because of art. People forget that everything around them has a level of art to it, either on purpose or by accident.

As a senior in Fine Arts painting, I have been working with a painting problem for over 3 years now. I've been making light valued paintings with only human figures in it. The problem was, I felt stuck. I wanted to see if I could make a low valued painting with a new figure instead. I just didn't know how to go about that. I talked to my professor and he just told me to dive in and try it. Don't be afraid to try something new just because of its ambiguity. I sat down and grabbed a 14 x 18 canvas and prepared my oil paint. I had no ideas, I had no color pallet, I didn't even know what the painting was going to be. I had to start somewhere so I grabbed my brush and started working away. Eventually I ended up with a night scene and a horse. Even though it was new and strange to me, I enjoyed the marks I made and the feeling of the night air in this piece. I don't have the exact definition for creativity but I think that painting encapsulates the struggles of creativity.

My name is Raena Margaret Sosa from the Chippewa Cree tribe that resides on the Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana. I am currently a junior at the University of Southern Mississippi majoring in Painting and Drawing. I have done higher level classes, leadership positions, extra activities and community involvement in order to attend university for Art. The reason I do my best in school is for my grandpa, he is the one who inspired me to even begin my journey as an artist. My grandpa’s name is Roger, and he had a history of helping my reservation by being on council, attending rodeos and conferences outside of Montana, as well as helping his community. Roger had a hobby with art, he made doodles of horses and figures for my grandma during his time. It was what I connected with him before he passed away. He is still giving me a reason to draw despite his absence. My grandpa has pushed me through almost 3 full years of Painting and Drawing at my university. I am a semester away from being a senior (even though I already have the credits of a senior). The only classes left for me in my field are painting 5 & 6, and advanced drawing 2 & 3. These last classes will test my ability to create paintings and drawings while completing the desired art problem in order to prepare me for my Capstone project. After my last drawing and painting class, I will graduate with the intention of entering my painting & drawings in galleries across the US to share the view and world from Native Americans. While at USM, I have learned that I love making landscape and western themed paintings. The great thing about that is that it can be entered in different kinds of galleries across the US while also promoting Native American life and culture. In the Art world, It's hard to see handmade native work, since there is an unfortunate barrier between the world and us. Art, in all its brilliance, has always been a way to connect people from around the world, and bring curiosity and understanding between people who probably don't even speak the same language. I intended to use that with my work. You don’t have to be native american to enjoy western or landscape paintings. You can just enjoy how they look while also recognizing natives and native lifestyles in it. I believe as Natives, we have this urge to enter STEM in college to be successful, despite knowing we can be just as successful in the Arts as well. Natives were the first one’s to teach art, after all, it was a valuable asset to expressing themselves and the culture that surrounded them, so it shouldn't stop now.

My name is Raena Margaret Sosa from the Chippewa Cree tribe that resides on the Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana. I am currently a junior at the University of Southern Mississippi majoring in Painting and Drawing. Even though I grew up in Big Sky country, my education was off the reservation, since my father was an active duty military personal, I was given the opportunity to stay in multiple different states. Being Native American didn't really impact my education in high school since it was out of the reservation at the time. However, I can say with certainty, it has impacted my time in College immensely. Being Native American and realizing how important that is, has given me a direction regarding my art. While at USM, I have learned that I love making landscape and western themed paintings. The great thing about that is that it can be entered in different kinds of galleries across the US while also promoting Native American life and culture. Through my drawings and paintings, you can see my culture reflected into it. The wonderful thing about this is that any person(native or not) can definly enjoy a good painting, even if they don't truly connect to it. Not only that, but it normalizes seeing Native American in more popular and sophistic line of works, in this case, fine arts. My paintings rely on my strength to create big batches of work in a small amount of time, which I have been practicing while in college, and as a result, it caused me to exceed the expectations of my teachers and peers. Being successful as an artist will allow me the opportunity to achieve further education to become a teacher on the reservation. My goal as an instructor would be to share my fruitful career and knowledge as an artist, as well as making the field less daunting to other aspiring artists. I believe as Natives, we have this urge to enter STEM in college to be successful, despite knowing we can be just as successful in the Arts as well. Natives were the first one’s to teach art, after all, it was a valuable asset to expressing themselves and the culture that surrounded them, so it shouldn't stop now. I am extremely proud to be Native American, and I am rich in that fact I can express my heritage through my works of fine art.

Video Games bring a lot of ideas to life through, color patches, modeling, and perfect scores. All of that, has helped bring my fine art career to a feeling of cohesiveness by mood and ideas. Most Video games have wonderful background art that show a clear idea, and vibe. That is exactly what I like to capture in my paintings, and hopefully in my future animations. To be very specific, I think one game that really made me excited is Pokémon Rumble blast on the 3DS. Rumble blast had wonderful storytelling, but most importantly, art for each and every biome. The pixel and modeling set the mood for every level in the game. The leaves falling, the leaves casting a shadow, and even the rocks/water having a breathe of life to them. My interest has always been in background/scenic painting, so I like to use game art as my example of capturing the human spirit and Mother Nature. Rumble blast made environments as if you've been here before and have just arrived after years apart. The dust blowing in the wind while being in the desert, the shadow of the looming mountains next to you, and maybe even the candles lighting up the cave. Everything these designers and artist done were for a reason. When it comes to the impact of video games on my life however, I can say with certainty, I would be lost without them. Video games helped me realize my love for fine arts and where to go in my life. I may not know exactly what I'd do through my life, but I know it will do something with art. Video game background gave me the idea to start my senior project in painting, involving background with feelings and human spirit. Now I have a Senior Capstone project that I really love. Without video games, I wouldn't be applying to this scholarship, I would probably be in a stem degree completing a major I hate. Video games do something every Artist wants to accomplish: inspiring their viewers(artist or not), and making a name for themselves in project that people can love and adore for generations. It's hard for any artist to make it, but video games are a prime example of success for artist. They include my different genres of art, music, motion graphics, visual art, and writers. Everything you see in ANY video game is made for artists, even the creator who only had an idea with them.

Art had this emotional hold on people that even I don't understand. There's a connection that makes people feel safe enough to express their thoughts and feelings. My drive to create beautiful art comes from a community of artists. In that community, people work towards their artistic goals in the hope to make something that everyone can enjoy in life. It's a safe environment that leads to friendships and lifelong lessons that can be taught to the next generation. Because of that, I hope to rate something worthwhile in my lifetime. I'm going to create an art show that people can relate to and motivate them to push forward in life. That show is my one major goal in life. And hopefully, it will bring the next generation of artists together to create something more. Art has helped me through my high school years, so I hope it can help others through their darkest times. The next generation will be keener to the skill of the art, and the creativity it takes. Art has a place everywhere in the world. This scholarship will help me with my journey through the simple fact I don't have much money. Even though my parents aren't broke, they are saving for my other sibling's colleges too so they don't have much to spare. So I need to be independent and apply for scholarships to help me achieve my dream. I know I can make some amazing things! I just need the support to finance my education. If I receive this scholarship, that's 500 dollars less that have to worry about. I'm excited to inspire a new generation of artists! hopefully, my willingness to push through the struggles will enable them to do more for the community. Whether it be by creating posters, artwork for people's birthdays, or create a story that everyone can enjoy. Being an artist means you work to create a masterpiece within a frame. But a frame can really be anything! It can be land you're healing to be its natural beauty, It can be your community goals, it can even be the world if you try hard enough. Art not only involves drawing, it involves a community of people believing in the same thing. Only wanting the best for each other and to drive the world to a better place. Art is everywhere and can be anywhere. Art is my passion and my drive to do more in the world, and maybe its yours too!

My grandpa was the biggest influence in my life. Ever since I was little I admired his drawings despite my lack of connection with him. He was dying at the time so I never really talked to him about his sketchbooks. Growing up I always admired how he captures the beauty of the reservation. It invoked me to create artwork that inspires people. After I graduate, I want to create shows that people can connect to. Shows that inspire the future generation to do their best despite the fear of failing. I want to create work that displayed the hardships of a person. But I also want it to motivate others. Every time I make an art piece I look on what to improve. Any show that I watch I look for details and movement. I know my artistic gift can make it! My art has been across multiple styles such as realism. (though, lately, I'm into cartoons.) I've interacted in so many communities and made so many friends. My art has brought me to some people who still inspire me to this day. Such as the rottmnt and mlaatr fanbase. Those shows have invoked me to make my own. My own show to inspire others. Another example is Disney and pixars newest movie, Luca! It was beautiful and presented the passion of being accepted. I cried(as much as I hate to admit it.) Creating a show to which people can cry and relate is an amazing thing to do. I loved the animation. It was smooth, expressive, and realistic. Even a simple movement had so much detail. Any person can overlook the time and effort it took to make the show visually appealing. But I hope to create a show where people crave the details. My art has gotten me through some rough times. Sometimes, it was the only thing that kept me going. Showcasing my artwork in my room didn't make me so alone. It felt like every character I ever made, any background I conjured, was there with me, in that small room. Art is my passion that I will never let go of. It's the only thing I enjoy. It's the only thing that builds a community on an idea. And maybe one day I can build my own community based on my art. Hopefully, I Impact people the way my idols have impacted me over the years.

Being honest with my feelings helped me accept myself. Being apart of the LGBTQ+ community is not a trend, but a safe place for others to find a safe place. I feel so free knowing who I like. I don't let it hold me back anymore. Instgram:https://www.instagram.com/crispy49b/

Being an artist means bringing my creations to life through a community of people who share the same interests as I do. I want my art to be recognized as a symbol of happiness for others. Creating shows and characters through which people can relate to. Or to make a world where someone can escape when all feels lost. Being an artist has a purpose. A purpose to help others. Whether it's through expressing emotions, as a gift, as a memorial, or as a meaning for someone's life. The fact that my art can have such an important part to play in someone's life is what drives me. I'm connected to art because of my background. It was the only way I could capture the beauty of the reservation when I was younger. Drawing the plains and horses. Drawing the people who lived together as a family. It also made me feel closer to my Grandpa, who was also an artist. He died peacefully at home. Whenever I needed motivation I would go to the basement and look in his old sketchbooks. He always captured the beauty of the reservation in Montana. His art motivated me and pushed me to do my best. I thought, If his art can motivate me, I can make art to motivate others! or at least make them feel connected to my art in a way. I want to make the shows and movies the future generation can relate to. I want them to feel like they're in their own little world full of fantasy and excitement! to wake up and be ready to face the day despite any troubles and fear they may have. I want them to feel like heroes in their own stories. They can do anything and push to do their best like the main character in a show or comic. To make someone believe they are worth more than they originally thought is the best feeling. To see them light up at the thought of a challenge instead of backing down. If the future generation is not scared to move forward, there no telling what they could do. Being an artist means bringing life to your art through a community. And as an artist, I will strive to do exactly that. My creations are made for myself and others to enjoy! not to be locked in a museum collection dust. I will be more than an artist, I will be the reason someone will push through the day.