My art medium is acrylic paint and oil pastel. In my AP Art Portfolio class, I am developing my portfolio within the theme of "Black Cookouts/Family Reunions". For me, this has been liberating and really fun. I am able to come into art class everyday and use my medium of oil pastels to really illustrate the joys and comfort that these family gatherings bring me. Oil pastels, in particular, have pushed me to explore larger-scale pieces, which has been an exciting challenge. Working on a bigger canvas allows me to dig into the finer details that capture the energy in these moments. In one of my submitted pieces, for example, my aunt is holding a plate of food. This detail was especially enjoyable to create with the way the cool blues of the plate contrast with the warm, orangey-browns of the fried fish. These small yet significant interactions between color and form make my process all the more rewarding. I am very passionate about the concentration I've chosen. During the more boring and slower months of winter in New York, I look forward to making art that represents the funniest moments of summer with my cousins and siblings. Thinking back to the memories I have with my family at the beach or in my aunt/uncles's backyards really gets me through any stress that the school year brings. Working on these pieces have totally enhanced my life, as it is a time to really sit with myself and put work into something that I am proud of in the end. When I am in the art classroom, or in my room working on my current piece, I am able to float off into the vibrant greens and yellows of the oil pastels, which is very relaxing. I hope that my work has the same affect on others that it has on me. When I look at the artwork that Ive completed in this class, I feel a sense of pride and comfort. I think that my artwork can and has enhanced the life of others because we all have memories of blissful fun with the people we love, and my artwork represents that. Essentially, my art is an extension of myself—a visual love letter to my family, culture, and the memories that I am so grateful to have. Additionally, by sharing my art with the world, I hope to bring out that sense of pride and love in them as well.