Hello there! I think it's time I properly introduced myself. Art has this beautiful way of connecting creator and viewer, and who I am as a person truly inspires and drives everything I make. When I'm not being authentic in my creative process, it is challenging to love what I've created. Authenticity isn't just important to my work—it's essential.

I'm twenty-two, nearly twenty-three (which honestly feels surreal). There's something strange about approaching this age, especially while writing this and reflecting on different stages in my life. I came to know the Lord as a young girl, but gave my life to Jesus at eight years old.

I've always considered myself creative, but "painter" or "artist" never quite fit. Those titles feel too narrow for a metaphorical name tag. If I had to choose, I'd simply say I'm a creative—someone who loves exploring every medium I can get my hands on. Sculpting, sewing, painting, drawing—they're all different languages for the same conversation.

Beyond visual art, literature has been my constant companion. As a young girl, reading was pure magic—an instant portal to other lives and secret worlds. My mom would take us to our local library for summer reading programs, where finished books earned small knick knacks. I used to love reading in the summers- especially when it was accompanied by a trip to the pool. I was a really imaginative and curious kid, so reading was an outlet where I could really engage my mind.

Dance was another early love, though I'll admit the costumes captivated me almost as much as the movement itself. The extravagant beading, the feathers—they made me feel like I was part of something magical. Nothing felt more regal than having my mom stamp a smokey eye and an electric red lipstick on my face for our dance recitals. I'll never forget this costume garage sale our studio held to clear out old props and outfits. At eight years old, I was convinced this was exactly how God had decorated heaven: sequins and boas adorning the pearly gates, welcoming all the Lord's children with theatrical flair.

Though my dancing career ended in third grade (where it rightfully belongs LOL!), that spark for theater and visual storytelling never dimmed. In high school, I found my way back through a costume and makeup class. I was much more reserved by then—a meeker version of that sassy dancer—but I had an incredible teacher who saw my love for these things. She beckoned qualities I'd buried and reminded me how much joy these creative pursuits brought me.

I later majored in Art History and minored in English at college. I graduated a semester early and am now pursuing Art as my career.

But, throughout all of these times of my life there has always been one consistent thing- my faith. Where I was bold and outgoing or more timid and reserved the Lord has truly shown me how He sustains me. Though we go through times where we grow or change, He is the one steadfast thing. I can only imagine his reactions while watching me go through all the different creative periods of my life. I am really happy that I get to center my creative pursuits around Him now, regardless of what they are. It is truly a gift to be able to honor Him through my work, sharing Him with my viewer.

Though creating my career around Art is different than dancing or escaping through literature, it is still sweet to think of how the Lord delights with us as we walk in our giftings. Despite what season of life we are in, we can serve God and others through our giftings. A verse I love is Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do".