Art is a piece of who I am. I derive immense joy from delving into painstaking detail, exploring new media, and building on my abilities. Though the finished piece is often beautiful, I value the artistic process above all else. I cherish those countless hours meticulously cutting out each individual paper leaf, or stringing together tiny beads to form a blooming flower. The journey from ideas to rough sketches and failed attempts, all culminating in my original vision is a source of endless engagement for me. I have unraveled countless stitches, cut up beading projects, torn up entire pictures and started from scratch on paper-cutting projects. I enjoy every minute of the process. My inspiration comes from observation. Whether it be the beauty of nature or the people within it, I am never lacking in ideas. I can sense my creations forming long before I begin, I can feel the media in my hands as I decide which to use. There is potential in everything I see, and I itch to turn my observations into a tangible creation. The possibilities seem endless as I consider what media would best represent my most recent inspiration: beads, paper, pencil, ink, paint, pastel, embroidery, or something I have yet to explore? During every project, I reach a point that allows me to forget the world around me, and immerse myself in creativity. That moment when I am completely lost in the work, where time is irrelevant and sleep seems a frivolous thing. There is a piece that is precious to me. It is a paper-cut shadow-box composed of many layers which together protect a memory. The foreground is a tangle of intricately cut vines and foliage and in the distance, a river seemingly winds into oblivion. On the river’s bank sit two figures, contrasted in black, facing away from the viewer. It is quiet and peaceful as the girl rests her head on the boy's shoulder absorbed in the river flowing by. This simple moment is preserved in the layers, a sanctuary of love and nature. With each cut of their silhouettes, I etched the emotions and memories forever into my heart. Art will always be a part of me. It allows me to engage with the world in my unique way. Whether it is through art therapy, or gifting someone their first paint brush I want to share what the world of art has to offer. I hope to continue to explore the boundless possibilities I have yet to imagine, and forge connections wherever I go.

I want to be dependable, stable, the one who comes through no matter what, the one who is there, I want to be the friend I wish to have and the happy, silly person I once was.