Heart2Heart
I chose the word “connection” because of how important socialization and connection with peers is to youth, especially those struggling with mental health issues (or even those who have struggled in the past).
Visual Art
Peace in Golden Grain
In February 2025, a Russian drone strike hit the protective dome covering the original sarcophagus over the reactor site of Chernobyl. With the upcoming rainy season, radioactive particles could escape and further infect the environment (and potentially, human life). I wish for peace between Russia and Ukraine. I wish for the shell to be repaired before it can cause lasting problems for our health and ecosystems.
Support is Everything
To me, support is the most important part of improving your mental health. Whether it’s emotional, physical, financial, or any other form of support, it’s all someone needs. Support can come from anyone – you, your parents, family, friends, teachers, counselors, managers, or anyone. I’ve received a massive amount of support from my parents, family, and friends, and it has truly changed my mental health for the better. I want to share my support with others so that they know they aren’t alone and can be and do whatever they want.
We Will Not Be Erased
My piece is about LGBTQ+ pride in the face of an increasingly homophobic and transphobic administration and society. The current political climate has made it harder to be queer or trans, and while it is really scary, I believe that resilience is our best option. We have to keep fighting, keep resisting, and keep living as LGBTQ + people.
Voices for Justice
“This piece was inspired by things that happen in a everyday life, the way that our perspective are deeply influenced by our backgrounds, identities and other experiences. The hands with the handcuffs symbolizes the struggles and challenges faced by many people who may feel trapped by legal systems and immigration policies. On the sides you see two different flags and a border above them, that represents the auhority and the power of the legal system and shows how much power they have over many individuals. The gavel represents authority and the power of the legal system, while the scales of justice symbolize the tracking of fairness and equality. The illustration of God’s face above the border means reassurance, reminding you that you are never alone in you’re struggles, helping to guide you through challenges and offering help when things get difficult. This captures the idea that our identities influence not only our individual stories but also our mutual understanding of justice.”
A Weathered History
The scars below the chest signify a trans individual who was able to pursue their transition, despite the many hardships they undoubtedly faced. The eyes on the chest signify defiance in the face of adversity, staring back at those who scrutinize their identity. This statue shows that although many political and public figures may try to erase or belittle the history of trans people, we have always been here – represented in art, culture, and media. Trans people deserve to see their bodies represented and their issues spoken through art.
Mutual Healing
Recently, I went driving with my dad to a wilderness area and enjoyed being in the bright sunshine, taking the time to be outside and clean up the environment with someone I loved. It made me reflect on how, in many cases, lifting ourselves up often involves lifting up others as well, directly through companionship, but also indirectly with acts of charity.
Rocketship
It’s hard to be in a situation where being mistreated has become common. It starts small, but it spirals out of control. However, the hardest part isn’t having your worth undermined each and every day, it’s the possibility of letting go. So much could go wrong, and sometimes it feels like your mental health and sense of self-worth aren’t a lot to sacrifice. But they are. You shouldn’t be told your worth by others, others have no right to put a value on you. Yet, they do, and all you feel like you can do is… let them. That’s when you realize it’s time to let go. It’s hard, sometimes that person(s) is deeply involved in your life, but that makes it more important to do so. It’s hard to heal and move on because maybe that person was your rock to lean on. It’s hard to sleep because they’re in your head 24/7, and you see them in everything you do. But when it’s all over, and you look back to see how far you’ve come, you’ll know you made the right decision.
Moving Forward
My art explores the emotional and transformative journey of someone who begins their path feeling lost, inexperienced, and overwhelmed by the challenges life throws their way. When I started skating, it taught me a lot about perseverance. When I first started, I kept falling and felt judged by others at the park, but I didn’t give up. With time and practice, I started to skate more confidently and even landed my first ollie. That progress made me realize that anything is possible with effort and persistence.
I Luv You!
Whenever I feel like I can’t deal with anything, I search my house until I find one of my cats. I pet and cuddle them until I feel like I can manage the rest of the day. Spending time with my pets relieves stress and I don’t know what I would do without them.