Hope

One In Many

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We’ve all heard that it’s okay to be different, however it doesn’t always feel that way. This piece is a metaphor about how in a sea of people, or in this case fish, individuality shines through the dullness of what we perceive as “normal”. We as individuals send ripples out into the world and have an effect on others, leaving behind a glance, a smile, a memory. Sometimes it takes us time to grow into and embrace our uniqueness, and I hope this piece reminds people it’s okay to be different and beautiful in their own way.

Electric

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My artwork is about how music can bring joy and hope. I wanted to capture the energy of playing an instrument, the way it feels to finally nail playing your favorite song, or to convey a feeling through a melody. I think music is a very powerful thing, and playing an instrument can make you feel on top of the world, a connection like no other. Not only is it a healthy outlet of emotions and energy, it’s also a fun way to connect to others, whether it’s taking turns rocking out or playing something for others to enjoy.

A Warm Melody on a Slow Sunday Afternoon

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The artwork that I created is a specific core memory and feeling that, whenever I feel at my worst, I think of. It’s a portrait of my older sister playing the guitar on her bedroom floor while I watch and listen to her play. Ever since I was young I remember her playing, and the constant sound of the guitair playing. Slow Sundays felt different than other days, the slow and carefree days with perfect weather, and we would be content just in each other’s presence in silence. She would play my favorite songs, from video game songs to oldies that my dad would listen to, they would never cease to make me so relaxed it’d make me cry. At times I needed to feel the warmth that I felt on those days, on days that I can’t seem to find the same warmth, I think of these special moments. Now she’s moved out of the house, and the house feels a little colder, and as the winter months come I’ve been thinking about these moments even more. In times I feel like it’s hard to make it through another day, I think about how grateful I am to have such a close relationship with my family and my siblings, and I believe it’s made me how I am today, and what keeps me going.

I can feel

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At the time of making this art piece. I was in a very hopeless state. I did not feel human and there was something in me that was deemed humane. I woke up many days wishing to not wake up the next, I looked in the mirror and no longer saw a human born into this world. This perpetual nihilism constantly tore down on me not knowing what and who I am due to the pain of having to live the next day. All of a sudden my brother walked into my room. He told me that he was not going to come with me when I was eventually going to leave the school we were in. As heartbroken as I was I remember I did feel something. I felt love. I loved my brother enough to take it up on myself to let him go and not force him to come with me. It was the first time in months I had felt a sense of my humanity. And in feeling that I created this piece on a whim.

What Gives You Hope?

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I’m lucky to have things that make me happy. I’m lucky I can share it with other kids and perhaps help them in the process.

some random thoughts

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My song is about someone having thoughts about suicide, but then he thinks about all the good times he has had with someone special.

Ripple Effect

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Our film follows a teenage girl who is struggling under academic pressure and high expectations, questioning her worth. She finds hope during this hard time when she is reminded that there is beauty in everyday interactions, keeping in mind that the scope of one kind gestures is greater than expected.

Raising Hope

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The woman I was drawing wasn’t going to be able to finish high school with a child, but through many revisions decided she would find success rather than failure. Many young women in this position are unable to finish highschool and have difficult paths to figure out. I realized that although life throws curveballs, people are still able to achieve their goals under tough circumstances. My hope is that women in this situation are able to make choices that are best for them, and no matter what have support to help them achieve their goals and education.

From Caged to Unafraid

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My art symbolizes coming out for queer people. As more and more people and forms of media become more accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community, there is more hope.

Cracks of Boundary

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In this artwork, I aspire to instill a feeling of hope; as although the figure is presented with limited categories to force themself into, they still chose to be themself. I dually aim that this instills hope amongst those who have been faced with a similar scerio, who feel alone in their struggles. I hope those who do not struggle with such issues feel a call to action—to emotiolly support those struggling and help the reform of gender & gender norms within our society.