Artist Statement

Art is nothing; art is everything. Art is impractical; art inspires, intrigues, entertains. Art is meaningless; you apply your own meaning. Art is drawing, painting, sculpting, singing, dancing, acting, writing, living. Art is expression, opening up, finding yourself, learning and mastering your talents. Art is holding on while letting go. Art is joy, sorrow, hope, hardship, courage, fear, love, hate, life. Art is how I spend my time.

From the caveman who picked a charcoal from the fire and made his cave walls come alive, to the Impressionists of the nineteenth century who played with angles and light, to me with a pen in my hand who doodles all over her schoolwork, art has erupted, evolved, and flourished throughout human history. It springs from having too much spare time on one’s hands. Art is the difference between surviving and living. Once you’ve established a shelter and put some meat on the table, what else is there to do but delve into the creative capacities of your own mind and hands? Nowadays, humans are so far along as a species that art has transcended a hobby and become a profession. Imagine! People being paid to enjoy themselves.

Many people look to the pyramids of Egypt and other famous monuments as the prime example of human achievement, but…why is this? Why don’t we regard cars, airplanes, or computers on the same level? Surely, they are more technologically advanced, but they are commonplace objects, designed with functionality in mind rather than visual appeal. Machines do not make a statement.

Art is all about making an impact of the quiet, internal sort. Its purpose is to induce an effect in the viewer; to trigger hidden emotions. The only way to accomplish this is by observing the subtleties in human faces; the minute details that surround you everywhere you go. I have always been a quiet observer of the world around me, which has perhaps stunted my social life, but has helped me develop artistically.

A piece of art can also reflect the moods of the artist at the time. I always seem to do my best work when I am happy and confident in my abilities. If I tell myself that I won’t be able to finish on time or that my work can’t compare to my classmates’, then I am doomed to fail. Art is about believing in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, then no one else will; your statement will go unheard.

In recent years, with the help of classes and a wise instructor, I have witnessed my artwork blossom and grow into something that, judging by my previous work, one would’ve never expected. I used to think that I wasn’t skilled enough or focused enough to be a good artist, but now I am realizing another side of myself. I am becoming more perceptive of color and form, and I am learning to be the master of my creations, instead of letting the medium hinder my potential. I am learning to slow down and go through the movements step by step. Mostly I am realizing that I’ve had these gifts, like a good eye for color, locked inside of me the whole time, just waiting for a boost of confidence to set them free.

Art has always been a big part of my life, like an invisible friend who goes where I go, who understands me and cheers me up when I’m sad. Art is my distraction from the mundane. Art is my religion. My wish is to contribute my art to the world, as it is all I have to give.