Creative Statement

I’m continuously trying to learn more about myself as an artist while also learning about the world around me. I like to think of myself as an avid doodler since much of my inspiration comes from cartoons and anime that I grew up with throughout my childhood. My interest in drawing stems from the animated worlds of my favorite characters such as Bugs Bunny, Pikachu, and Cardcaptor Sakura. However, I felt as though accompanying these characters on their journey every Saturday morning just wasn't enough and I wanted to try to create my own characters and landscapes on paper instead of simply watching them on my television screen from the living room floor.

The more I drew, the more I became interested in experimenting and exploring other mediums and drawing styles. Before I knew it, I found that I discovered a new way of expressing myself and gained a new perspective in the world I’m living in. Two years ago I participated in a summer program with Groundswell, a community organization that brings youth, artists, and organizations together by using art to promote social change. I spent the summer collaborating with other artists to help paint a mural that embodies the neighborhood within it was placed. This program opened my eyes to the possibilities of connecting with your audience through art, and how effectively messages can be conveyed in ways words just simply can not fully express. At first I didn't think I would be able to do anything with my art, but by working with other artists who share the same passion and interests, I learned that are countless possibilities in which I can do what I love.

I am hoping to learn how to express myself in mediums such as graphic art, film, and animation. Just like how I developed a connection with cartoons during my childhood, I am hoping to create a similar personal connection with my audience. I feel that images can capture meaning and emotion in a more effective way than words can try to express. I believe that art pieces that causes the viewer to pause and compels them to take an extra minute to think about the issue addressed are the most successful, and so I hope to be able to engage in compelling conversations with my future audience, with or without words.