Presently, I am a second-year student at the University of Tampa studying with the dream of one day becoming a licensed art therapist working with pediatric oncology patients. I hope to complete my Bachelor of Art in Art Therapy at UT, then further my learnings by pursuing a Master’s Degree to become a licensed and full-time Art Therapist. My dream is to aid those who have personal hardships due to medical and mental health problems as well as those with desires of seeking emotional, creative, and spiritual growth. Art has played a pivotal role in my life, especially during the times when I faced struggles with my physical health. Art became an outlet for me to express the feelings and experiences I simply couldn’t put into words at the time. As a result of this transformative experience and connection with art, it pushed me towards this career path, one in that I see myself truly flourishing. I am very excited to pursue this specific field of work and integrate my love for the arts and service to others in the future.
As an artist, my focus and preferred medium of choice is charcoal drawing. Drawing has been my strong suit for years and it wasn’t until high school when I discovered my love for the dry medium. What I enjoy most about using this specific medium is that it is light and forgiving. I am an artist who adores creating compositions that are heavy in detail, require layering techniques, and are monochromatic and charcoal enables me to do just that. In the years to come, I plan to continue improving my drawing skills, possibly exploring other drawing mediums or ways to bring life to my charcoal works; perhaps some experimentation with mixed media. Though my heart has found its home in charcoal drawings, I am an open-minded artist always excited to try new things and expand my horizons. I most recently have opened myself to commissioning works and I look forward to what’s to come in my artistic career.