Being a senior feels surreal. A new chapter in my life awaits me, and I can only imagine what doors of opportunity await. Of course, my next chapter is unexpected, which gives me this strange feeling in my stomach. Is it fear? Or perhaps excitement? What I know for sure is that I am grateful for all the memories I created in my childhood, and it is my nostalgia that pushes me to strive for bigger and better things; where I can see how far I have come. My art this year focuses on reminiscing and on the core memories that shape who I am as an individual. In my junior year I discovered cultural elements through my art.  I realized that not only do individuality and values stem from culture, but also from experience. Therefore my art captures the carefree nature of youth to ultimately illustrate my story.

I have been experimenting with several art mediums. My comfort zone and specialty are colored pencils. I love the way waxed-based Prismacolor pencils glide on my paper. However, as a senior, I felt that it was important to step out of my comfort zone and experience new mediums, like acrylic. I had mixed feelings about painting, mostly because I get frustrated with how my brush strokes look. To appreciate my work, I stopped comparing my paintings to others, whether it was in-person or online.  I reminded myself that this investigation was about understanding myself and showing my growth in character. Since then I have been more open to trying new mediums and shedding the layers of fear and caution with my art.

Now, I present this personal and heartfelt art piece entitled “The Root of My Wings” which illustrates a self-portrait of myself looking down at an enchanting butterfly—the symbol of hope and rebirth.  I am ready to spread my wings and soar to my own adventure, my next chapter in life—and a glimpse into my childhood where I was dressed in butterfly wings unaware of the realities and truths of the world. Hardships are unavoidable, and you are bound to experience tragedy, but what matters is that you keep on soaring high, until you find hope once more. My art piece includes glitter, which was challenging; I even doubted adding it into the process, however, I felt it displayed hope and could not have been skipped. I hope my work is a reminder to those who are at a low point, or are too scared to move forward, that life is a beautiful journey and you should enjoy it to the fullest.