My name is Jayden Ruano and I attend North Salinas High School. When I think about inspiration for an artwork I think about those artists from many centuries ago, during times where art really began to flourish in all forms. Painters, sculptors, ceramists, architects, and those whose profession involved creative thinking. More specifically I have people in mind like Leonardo Da Vinci and Raphael. These people, with the limited resources and technology they had at the time, were able to create masterpieces that are praised and studied to this day. Architects of the modern age study structures from centuries ago that still stand because of the sheer brilliance of construction. These people who were able to accomplish so much with so little, the innovators of the past. These are people who inspire me and my artwork.

The best thing about being in art class are the skills that I've acquired through trial and error; by trying new techniques. For example I don't often use paint, however, recent projects have taken me out of my comfort zone and forced me to gain new skills. For the newest project, the one being submitted into the competition, I decided to use paint because I already knew what I wanted my artwork to look like. Since I had gotten used to painting I figured it wouldn't be too difficult.

I want the viewer of my art piece to learn that sometimes you don't always have unlimited time to accomplish your goals. Life can demand more than you think you might be capable of, but staying determined is how you succeed, despite the limitations put on you.

When I create art I feel calm, it's satisfying to me when I can see my vision coming to life on the canvas. It gives me a sense of freedom to know that I can create whatever I want.