Growing up, I was known as the artistic kid. People would ask me to draw them things and I would do it; in art class, I would make what the teacher requested. I always enjoyed making art, but I also felt like I was never making anything that was authentically me. Throughout my college years, I’ve been working on gaining the courage to make art for myself, not just in response to assignments and guidelines. As my time in college is ending, I’m working on confidence and opening myself up to people through my work. I address themes that I find important, like mental health and the idea of self, as I am extremely interested in the human psyche. These subjects offer a never-ending source of topics to discuss and explore, just as there is a endless number of ways to creatively express yourself. I still enjoy being “the artistic kid,” and it is now even more enjoyable, as I create things I am passionate about.