Throughout my life I have been inspired to pursue visual arts by teachers, counselors, and mentors. They all have helped me become a better artist and a better person.

            Ever since I can remember, I have loved art. From doing drawings in coloring books, to a full blown framed still lives, I have loved to paint, draw and create the image before me. In my elementary days I had a wonderful teacher named Mrs. Ludlow. She was the nicest old lady and she had real talent. And although I haven’t seen her since I left the public schools, many years ago, I still remember loving her class and there beginning to truly love art.

       I immediately enrolled in a summer arts camp and for seven years (between the ages of nine and sixteen) took many art classes like: watercolor, collage, oil painting, illustrating, mixed media, textile arts, and more. Although there have been many influential people, at my arts camp, who have helped me grow, Dawn has been the greatest. As a public school art teacher she is really talented, in art and in people and teaching skills.. I originally had her for only illustrating, but as my interest in art grew, so did my liking of her. I now take all the classes she offers, if possible. Not only is she a mentor and a teacher, but also she is a friend. It is incredible how well I know her; even tough the camp runs only five weeks of the year. Dawn’s classes are always fun and she doesn’t hesitate to stop class to tell or hear a story about the past weekend. She knows how to balance fun, and work, even if the work is fun. She has really been my artistic inspiration these past few years. It was her inspiration that possibly got me accepted to the elite private high school I attended, because I submitted a portfolio of work, most of it done with her help.  As I look forward to being an apprentice this summer, I also feel nostalgic towards my old camps day’s years ago. I really owe my interest in art, to Dawn inspiring me.

Inspiration can come from many angles. Whether is calling, praying, to the Muse or getting help on a project, or telling a story or joke, anyone can be an inspiration. My teacher, Mr. Matthews-Suitor in Level One Drawing, has and continues to inspire me, and help me grow, as an artist and as a person.